Renault : 5
Model Introduction
The original Renault 5, introduced in 1972, brought fresh, youthful style to the small-car market with its compact hatchback body and distinctive integrated plastic bumpers. Styled under Michel Boué, it was available in both three- and five-door forms, offering lively performance from a range of economical engines and nimble handling that made it a hit in cities and on twisty roads alike. Variants such as the sporty Alpine/Gordini and the wild mid-engined Turbo cemented its enthusiast following, while everyday models became a common sight across Europe. Produced until 1985, the first-generation R5 remains one of Renault’s most successful and best-loved designs.
Magazine Articles
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Will le Cinq sink the Mini?
...asks Tom Northey, after sampling Renault's remarkable 5
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Drive In
Renault 5TL
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Newcomers
Renault 5GTL
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Newcomers : Renault's Alpine Rhapsody
Ron Wakefield on a Five that really flies
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Newcomers : Smaller they come, faster they go
Renault's R5 Gordini
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Giant Test
VW Golf GTi v Renault 5 Gordini v Talbot Sunbeam Ti
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Oracle
Dramatic if awkward-looking R5 Turbo is a homologation special to be sold soon in limited numbers. Fwd is out; engine is mid-ships driving to rear. Dash is new and stylish.
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Giant Test
Fiat 127 Sport v Peugeot 104ZS v Renault 5 Gordini v VW Golf GTI v Vauxhall Chevette 2300HS v Talbot Sunbeam Lotus
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Gale Force Five
LJK Setright on Renault's blown baby bombshell
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Giant Test
Ford Fiesta 1.3S v Austin Metro HLS v Renault 5TS
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R5 Turbo : the rollerskate refined
It has the grip, performance and inspiration factor of a true exotic - but the real surprise with Renault's baby bombshell is honest-to-goodness refinement.
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Housewives Choice
Graham Jones samples three mobile examples of some of the cheapest, most fiercely contested and easily prepared motor racing available - with a little help from British Saloon Car Champion, Win Percy
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Giant Test
Renault 5TL v Talbot Samba GL v VW Polo C
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Newcomers : Turbo Five turns up
Out goes the old Renault 5 Gordini; in comes a new fwd turbo-blown 5 with more performance, less noise
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Free Wheelin'
Renault 5 Automatic
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New car impressions
Gordini 5 goes turbo
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Giant Test
Colt 1.4 Turbo v Renault 5 Turbo v Mazda 323 1500GT
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Giant Test
Renault 5TX v MG Metro v Ford Fiesta XR2 v Citroen Visa GT v Fiat 127GT
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Force Five!
As an all or nothing driving experience, the 130mph, mid-engined Renault 5 Turbo has few peers. Now it's cheaper.
