Renault 5, five decades of an irresistible look

Tremendously popular, the Renault 5 put an entire generation on wheels in Spain and in the world. Either because of its style and sympathy, or because of its successful variants in search of customer demands, it managed to be a sales leader for many years. Its production began in France in 1972, but due to its success it began to be manufactured in Valladolid just two years later. It remained in production until the mid-1980s. Specifically, a total of 983,118 vehicles were produced in Valladolid between 1972 and 1984 and two-thirds of its production was exported to countries such as Colombia, Venezuela or France. History that continued with the Supercinco, larger and more modern.

That first Renault 5, or popularly known as R5, which was around 132,500 pesetas in price, won the first ABC Award for Best Car of the Year, in 1973, one of the most prestigious automotive awards in Spain today.

His mischievous and rebellious look was what immediately made him an icon. From the outset, he was a three-door capable of transporting five people, with balanced proportions and very personal features. Its imposing tailgate and innovative front and rear ‘shields’ enabled it to appeal to female clientele, although young men also appreciated its sporty side.

With 36 CV, two versions were launched in parallel: the L, with the same power, and the TL, with 47 CV

In addition to its two versions, ‘L’ and ‘TL’, launched in parallel, and with subtle modifications in the equipment and engine, in the spring of 1972 a fleet of around 100 electric Renault 5s was manufactured. Two-seater only, and mostly exhibition, it was equipped with a UNELEC engine and eight 6-volt traction batteries per unit.

Several years later, the long-awaited five-door version would arrive. So desired that it became the best-selling R5 of the diamond brand. The 5 GTL stood out for its plastic side protections that extended over the bumpers, the accessibility offered by this bodywork, its elegant wheels and its reversing lights.

With 3 and 5 door versions

In the 1970s, several European manufacturers followed the same route: making sporty variants of popular vehicles. And the R5 was no exception. In 1976 the Renault 5 Alpine was presented –in Spain it was marketed as the Copa–, designed and manufactured at the Alpine plant in Dieppe.

This model combined elegance and sports performance. On the outside it was conspicuous for its spoiler integrated into the skirt and perforated on the long bearing faces, the R17 Gordini wheel rims, as well as the ‘A5’ stickers on the side panels and front panel. Specific body colors were also offered in the catalogue: blue, grey, red, black or even green.

With 93 hp and a five-speed transmission, the Alpine was the first sports variant

Equipped with an engine with a displacement of up to 1,397 cm³ –93 hp– and a 5-speed gearbox, it was intended for personal use at a competitive price for an Alpine. A coupé version was also offered for rookie drivers who wanted to take part in the Renault Elf Cup.

But surprisingly, the unusual car that Renault created in 1979 to homologate its competition models. This is how the Renault 5 Turbo was born, which kept the original headlights, taillights or windshield, but in reality it was redesigned almost from scratch. In fact, it was conceived specifically for rallying and was presented at the 1978 Paris Motor Show. It made headlines with its engine in the central rear position – no longer in the front – and its large wheels covered by rear fins. extra wide that gave it an amazing appearance of a small Renault 5 on steroids. With 4,857 units manufactured in total, it quickly found its target audience: those who were not afraid to tame the 160 CV of force delivered at 6,400 rpm by its 1,397 cc 4-cylinder Cléon-Fonte engine. Initially available with aluminum doors and roof and a new design interior, it was produced from 1983 in a ‘Turbo 2’ version with the same technical characteristics but with an interior derived from the Renault Alpine Turbo and without aluminum bodywork elements to keep the price under control.

And from sportiness to luxury there was only one step. Or, in this case, 10 years. Renault created a latest model of its ultra-refined 5 portfolio. The Baccara was a model where every detail of the interior equipment showed an exceptional level of demand: leather seats and steering wheel, harmonious interior color, black leather gear knob, thick carpet on the floor and completely covering the trunk, not forgetting the famous clothes cover fixed under the package shelf. On board, all you had to do was lift a finger to be obeyed: electric front windows and remote-controlled central door locking were standard equipment.

The electric version will arrive in 2023

Now, that emblematic and complicit look of the original Renault 5 is reflected in its resurgence with the Renault 5 Prototype, a new 100% electric model that will hit the market in 2023. It is worth mentioning in particular the matrix LED technology that allows integrating movement when programming animations that bring lighthouses to life. This is evident with the welcome sequence.

Likewise, Renault, associated with the French designer Pierre Gonalons, has also reinvented its iconic Renault 5: the Renault 5 Diamant, also an electric car that retains the characteristic lines and iconic shape of the original model, but with exterior details and a very futuristic interior. . It can be opened with a fingerprint and the finishes are marble, among other examples,