Segment: Medium
Production years: 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980
In 1969, Renault introduced the 12 at the Paris Motor Show. It was so successful that soon after the French car-maker sold the license to built the car to more countries and was sold around the globe.
The aged Renault 8 and 10 needed a replacement for a family car. The Renault 16 was successful with its front-wheel-drive and front-engine architecture, while the Renault 8 and 10 with the engine and gearbox in the back were struggling. The Renault 12 was the right answer and it featured a better solution for the drivetrain. It was manufactured in France, Argentina, Turkey, and Romania. The later country produced the car until 2004 in both shapes as a sedan and a station-wagon.
With the new, landscape-type headlights from the Renault 16 and classic three-box design, the Renault 12 was a simple car that offered enough room for a family and enough trunk space. The station-wagon version was slightly longer and featured a liftgate with a wide opening.
Inside, the car featured only a ventilation system and a simple, three-round dials design for the instrument cluster. For the rear bench, the car featured a folding seatback, which extended the trunk area with a flat area, something that was highly appreciated at that time.
Under the hood, there was a 1.3-liter engine mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. For other markets, the Renault 12 received also a 1.4- and a 1.6-liter engine, which was a carry-over from the Renault 16. The front independent suspension and a rear rigid axle was a fair balance between price and comfort.
ENGINE SPECS - 1.3L 4MT (54 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1289 cm3 |
Power: | 39.7 KW @ 5250 RPM 54 HP @ 5250 RPM 53 BHP @ 5250 RPM |
Torque: | 65 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM 88 Nm @ 3000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Carburetor |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 87 mph (140 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 16 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 155 SR 13 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 173.5 in (4407 mm) |
Width: | 64.5 in (1638 mm) |
Height: | 57.2 in (1453 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 51.7/51.7 in (1,313/1,313 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 96 in (2438 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 18.4 cuFT (521 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2094 lbs (950 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3086 lbs (1400 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 30.2 mpg US (7.8 L/100Km) |