THE NEW RENAULT 5 - Press Release - September 24, 1984

Sep 5, 2026

Press release covering the debut of the new Renault 5 for European sales, with five launch versions in France and an expanded plan of ten versions across Europe, including an automatic and a competition-oriented “Coupe”. Highlights the UK introduction timeline and availability expectations for the “Superfive”. Summarizes key main points: front-wheel drive with a transverse engine/gearbox, a redesigned 3-door hatchback with increased glass area, improved interior space, and higher luggage capacity. Mentions weight savings versus the prior model.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages30

Reading Time11 min

AccessFree to download

IEWS RELEASE

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THE NEW RENAULT 5

BRIEF SKETCH - MAIN POINTS

From its birth on January 28,1972(introduced to the U.K.in November,1972),theRENAULT 5was launched as the ultra compact city car,linking easy long-distanceperformance with instant convertibility from family saloon to spacious load-carryinghatchback.Sensibly compact(11ft.6in.long)but a comfortable four-seater,itsperformance in standard form equals that of many medium-sized saloons.A full-widthroof-hinged tailgate gives easy access to 7%cu.ft.of luggage space,which expands up tonearly 32 cu.ft.with rear seat and shelf folded forward. 1980 changes,For 1980,on all RENAULT5models,a major restyling of the interiorgives a new,neater dashboard layout,with instruments,warning lights and switchesgrouped in a hooded binnacle behind the steering wheel,controls for lights,horn,wipers,etc.,on stalks flanking the wheel,and a centre console carrying new-type ventilationcontrols and other auxiliaries,including a cigar lighter and clock(no clock on the 5 and5TL). On the passenger side of the dashboard is an open,padded shelf,with a restyled rearcompartment having removable side pockets to facilitate fitting of loudspeakers,andextra ashtray.Standard equipment now includes a rear fog light,a second interior lightand tubeless tyres,whlie the rear seat folding arrangement follows the Renault 14 designwith both cushion and backrest hinging forward together.All engines now have a new,simplified system for removing the sump oil through a vacuum tube.Sound insulationhas been improved and steering lightened by changing the ratio from 20 to 21.75:1. On the security side,door locks have been changed,from a combined outside press-buttonand lock to a separate button and keyhole,while a special catch in the interior handleallows both doors to be locked from inside without the key.Both the 5GTL and TS nowhave 'petal'type front seats with cushions and (on the 5TS)adjustable head restraints.Similar improvements are found on the 5Gordini,which also has divided backrests,allowing each side to be folded down individually,while the Gordini's spare wheel is nowrecessed into the boot floor,with a separate luggage weli alongside,under the floor. Over the seven years to 1980,the Renault 5 has been developed into a complete 'rangewithin a range'.with seven variants now marketed in the U.K.These include: RENAULT 5-The basic version,with 845 cc engine RENAULT 5TL-One of the world's top economy cars,with engine now enlarged from856 to 1108cc,returning nearly 58mpg at 56mph* ENAULT 5eTIng engune,no tu1ne6 to aunoho2-sty petol,gping51 npg at 56 mph. This is the first Renault 5 to be offered in both five and three-door form RENAULT 5TS-Powered by a 64 bhp version of tha 1289cc engine siving a top speed of96 mph,coupling high performance and equipment levels with economy andflexibility. RENALLT5 AUTOMATIC 1300-Launched initiallv in France in Februarv.1978 andintroduced to U.K.the following October,one of Europe's most advanced andrefined small automatic cars,with a top speed of nearly 88 mph,55 bhp,sensibleeconomy and compact 3-speed electronically-controlled transmission. RENAULT5 GORDINI-'Flaashin'of the Renault 5 ranae.Dowered bv a 1397 cc enainedeveloping 93bhp,with a top speed of 110mph,five-speed gearbox and lavishequipment-the most powerful road-going version of the Renault 5 in volumeproduction.Launched first in 1976 in France as the Renault 5 Alpine;introducedto U.K.in April,1979. RENAULT 5 WORLDWIDE-FACTS &FIGURES The Renault 5 has become the biggest-selling French car in the world,with total productionnow approaching 3million. In France,sales topped 1,120,000 after 7%years,and across the rest of the world 1,335,000in 110 countries. Renault 5 exports over 7 years equalled total production of the Renault 8 over 14 years(1962-1976). U.K.sales of the Renault 5 passed the 100,000 mark in June,1979. Total output of the Renault 5 averages more than 2,000 units a day. The Renault 5 is produced at three plants in France-Flins,Douai and Die

FAQs

What is the sales plan for the new Renault 5 at the start of October in France?

Sales start in France from the beginning of October with five versions available.

How many Renault 5 versions are planned for Europe, and what special types are included?

A total of ten versions is planned for Europe, including an automatic. An eleventh “Renault 5 Coupe” is planned for competition use.

What are the main technical and packaging changes described in the brief sketch?

The new model uses front-wheel drive with a transverse engine and gearbox, a completely new 3-door hatchback body, increased glass area, expanded interior space, and luggage capacity rising from 7.6 to 8.2 cu.ft., along with significant weight savings.

Sep 5, 2026

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