Renault R5 5-Door
The original Supermini (except for the FIAT 127, shh!). The Renault 5 joined the Renault lineup in 1972 as an inexpensive and efficient sub-compact car.
The Renault 5 shared the driveline layout with its nominal predecessor, the Renault 4, along with the larger Renault 16. This mounted an inline, 4-cylinder engine longitudinally, driving the front wheels, with the gearbox ahead of the front axle, and the engine behind the axle.
The layout produced a FWD car with a relatively long bonnet, but with extremely short overhangs compared with the wheelbase. The 5 made the most of the opportunity, being one of the very first cars to use polymer (plastic) bumpers, which fitted tightly to the overall form of the car.
The 5 was relatively light, being a full steel monocoque (by comparison, the R4 was a platform chassis with the body attached), this also increase body rigidity, making for nimble and sporty handling.
The 5 could fit four adults is (relative) comfort, though the car was quite narrow. The car appeared at a time when European car ownership was becoming common, but families were generally two adults and two children - the Renault 5 fitted their needs along with the narrow streets of French cities and towns.
Unlike any preceding or following 'numbered' Renaults, the 5 earned such a strong following, that the replacement car also wore the '5' moniker, though the second generation switched to transverse powertrains.
Renault R5 5-Door
The original Supermini (except for the FIAT 127, shh!). The Renault 5 joined the Renault lineup in 1972 as an inexpensive and efficient sub-compact car.
The Renault 5 shared the driveline layout with its nominal predecessor, the Renault 4, along with the larger Renault 16. This mounted an inline, 4-cylinder engine longitudinally, driving the front wheels, with the gearbox ahead of the front axle, and the engine behind the axle.
The layout produced a FWD car with a relatively long bonnet, but with extremely short overhangs compared with the wheelbase. The 5 made the most of the opportunity, being one of the very first cars to use polymer (plastic) bumpers, which fitted tightly to the overall form of the car.
The 5 was relatively light, being a full steel monocoque (by comparison, the R4 was a platform chassis with the body attached), this also increase body rigidity, making for nimble and sporty handling.
The 5 could fit four adults is (relative) comfort, though the car was quite narrow. The car appeared at a time when European car ownership was becoming common, but families were generally two adults and two children - the Renault 5 fitted their needs along with the narrow streets of French cities and towns.
Unlike any preceding or following 'numbered' Renaults, the 5 earned such a strong following, that the replacement car also wore the '5' moniker, though the second generation switched to transverse powertrains.