Business Car trailblazers Renault 5
Renault’s original supermini has made a successful comeback as an EV (see page 49). We look back at the first- and second-generation models.
Countach supercars, was responsible for the styling – and it was a deliberate homage to the Mk1. Like the original, the three-door was launched first, followed almost a year later by the five-door, in May 1985. Underneath, this time around, the 5’s platform was a reworked version of the same as the larger Renault 9/11. As such, the second generation is wider and longer, and more spacious inside. Petrol and diesel engine choices ranged from a 1.0-litre up to a 1.4-litre, with the 1,721cc engine added in 1987, for higher GTX, GTE, and Monaco models. This was on top of the TC, TL, GTL, and Automatic equipment grades. Hot hatch fans were catered for by the GT Turbo, available from 1985, and performance of
Martyn Collins
Plans for the Renault 5 date back to 1967, when the French company’s head of planning managed to persuade colleagues to expand their small car portfolio from the rather utilitarian Renault 4L. The result was the Renault 5, launched back in 1972, and it was unusual compared to rivals, due to its longitudinal engine - as most were transverse.
Whatever engine was chosen, the 5 was fun to drive, with the sportiest Gordini and Gordini Turbo versions, and the maddest rear-engined Turbo rally weapon helping to define the hot hatch genre.
With the first-generation 5 feeling the heat from more modern alternatives such as the Fiat Uno and Peugeot 205, Renault’s second-generation 5, dubbed the Supercinq in France, arrived in 1984. Outside, designer Marcello Gandini, more famous for penning the Lamborghini Miura and
the 1.4-litre petrol was increased by the fitment of a Garrett T2 turbocharger to 115hp. With a Phase 2 version arriving at the same time as the facelift, power increased to 120hp, plus new wheels, grille, and colour-coded bodykit.
The Supercinq was facelifted in 1987, but the GT Turbo was discontinued by 1991, with the regular 5 carrying on in basic Prima spec until 1996, despite the arrival of its successor, the Clio, in 1990.
However, the 5’s design didn’t compromise on legroom – even with its compact dimensions. Another 5 highlight was the simple, but sharply executed two-box styling, with wraparound plastic bumpers. The bumpers were a big deal, as although they were used on the 15 and 17 models, the 5 was the first to popularise them, and it immediately dated the opposition. Not just for looks, they were tested heavily by Renault, and found to be highly impact resistant. UK 5s were powered by 845, 956, 1108, 1289 and 1397cc engines over the years, with the choice of a wide range of trim levels, and towards the end of first-generation production, a five-door version.
58 | November/December 2024 |
www.businesscar.co.uk
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