Renault 5

The Renault 5 is a French Automobile , produced in two distinct generations between 1972 and 1996.

First generation: 1972 - 1985

It was the first incursion of Renault into the market of the mini with two large doors without apparent handles which reduce the line of the car. A large trunk in Hayon which offers a space of 270 DM ³ and increases to 900 DM ³ when the back seats are lowered. And a popular price by loan of many elements of the Renault 4, in particular the engines with side Camshaft going from 850 to 1400 cm ³, an exhaust runs on the side and a style which assumes its simplicity. The suspension is ensured by torsion bars. To note that, at its time Renault 5 was the first truck in the world with being equipped with polyester avoid-shock.

As the Gear box is in front of the engine assembled longitudinally it is simpler to place the lever on the instrument panel to pass above. Nevertheless, later, an order with the floor is installed. Publicity is ensured by a Cartoon which personifies the car.

In 1974 appears R5 LS equipped with one 1289 Cm3 of 64 ch. Cette version, which preserved an air of " TL" recognized itself inside by the presence of a rev counter; it will become TS in 1975 during final integration to the catalog. Renault 5 TS was equipped with seats known as integral; namely, that they integrated the head-rests but of openwork type.

In May 1976, is launched the Alpine model. It is been driven by an engine 1397cm3 which develops 93cv and is recognizable with its artifices outsides. Indeed, it is equipped with rims aluminum of the type R16TX, a specific déco " A5" on the blanks and the nose of the cap and especially of a spoiler of the long type which integrates the fog one. In addition, a rear view mirror in the shape “of shell” of californian type is assembled on the conducting side. The interior is specific with an instrument panel with dials round but deprived of some manos and a wheel of the type 4 branches. Its introductory price was of 30.000 F

In 1977 is launched a version equipped a little better R5 GTL and at the year 1980, i.e. in September 1979 one five doors whose pressings come from RENAULT 7espagnole, without the trunk and the sheet shields.

Of 1982 with 1984, a version “Luxury” is proposed, RENAULT 5 TX, is equipped amongst other things with a power-assisted steering, electric window winders, tinted panes, of rim S aluminum and an interior high-of-range of series.

It will finish its career at the end of 1984 with the Lauréate series like access to the R5-Supercinq new range.

More sporting versions existed with the label “Alpine”, (“Gordini” in Great Britain, Sunbeam having deposited the name “Alpine”) of which the Alpine turbo one, as well as R5 Turbo then R5 Turbo 2, with back engine, models entirely different, which was illustrated in competition.

North-American version

In Quebec

R5 makes its appearance in North America in 1976. Its most interesting market is that of the Quebec where it is called quite simply the Five . The advertizing agency Cossette obtains the contract of publicity and paints it as the car for the young people and the pleasure of leading. The slogan is " Chnac, that attrape" . Following publicities are windy its saving in gasoline and its interior volume with the slogan “the Camel” . One uses there the singer Robert Charlebois. Renault 5 obtains ansi 50% of the market of the small car acquired in the province.

One briefly finds the version “L” with an engine of 850 Cm3 and his funny of gear shift lever in the instrument panel. Its too feeble engine do not make a large saleswoman of it. “TL”, with the engine of 1289 Cm3, is a version without sound-proofing of the driving compartment and cover-luggage of the trunk with Hayon. The “GTL” is a “TL” more luxurious with the two elements mentioned included and of the assisted brakes. These two last are sold well. The year 1980 sees one four door with forage ladder but it will be withdrawn in 1982. The automatic transmission will be never available. The only box available was only one manual 4 speeds.

When Renault bought American Motors (AMC), one made confidence with the persons in charge of American marketing who decided to withdraw the account of Renault with Cossette. R5 lost then the market of the small car in Quebec

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