Body style: Hatchback
Segment: Mini
Production years: 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984
48 Photos
Back at the beginning of the '70s, the French carmakers provided two main options for the small segment: the Renault 4 and the Citroen 2CV. Then, in 1972, the R5 joined the pack and stirred the market.
The studies for the new vehicle started in 1967 when Renault's CEO, Pierre Dreyfuss, asked the team to design a new vehicle.
The first supermini ever manufactured by the French carmaker, the Renault 5 was revealed in 1972 as a 3-door and 5-door hatchback. The 3-door body style was based on the commercial version of the R4. Its doors didn't feature any handles. The user had to grab them from behind their edge, through a deeper dent on the bodywork.
The design was the work of Michelle Boue, a 36-year-old stylist. Renault was impressed with Boue’s drawings and quickly authorized a development program. Unfortunately, Boue didn’t get the chance to see his brainchild blossom as he died in late 1971, however, the final design was pretty much like his initial sketches.
Aesthetically, the super-chic styling of the Renault 5 featured straight lines, square headlights, and a steeply sloping rear hatch.
The Renault 5 featured wraparound plastic bumpers that were a big thing in 1971. Developed by Prost-Dame, they were high-impact resistant and the R5 was parking-proof in every crowded city.
Most of its underpinnings were carried over from the popular Renault 4, such as the longitudinal-mounted engine that drove the front wheels. The powerplants were taken from the Renault 4 and the Renault 8, a 782cc with 33.5 hp and a 956cc with 44 hp respectively.
The Renault 5 was very close to winning the European Car of the Year in 1973, however, the title was awarded to the Audi 80.
RENAULT 5 3 Doors 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984
8 gasoline engines
- 0.8L 4MT FWD (34 HP)
- 0.9L 4MT FWD (36 HP)
- 0.9L 4MT FWD (44 HP)
- 1.1L 4MT FWD (44 HP)
- 1.3L 3AT FWD (55 HP)
- 1.3L 5MT FWD (65 HP)
- 1.4L Alpine 5MT FWD (92 HP)
- 1.4L Alpine Turbo 5MT FWD (110 HP)
brochures (download)
RENAULT 5 3 Doors Brochure (UK)RENAULT 5 3 Doors
0.8L 4MT FWD (34 HP)
ENGINE SPECS - 0.8L 4MT FWD (34 HP) | |
|---|---|
| Cylinders: | L4 |
| Displacement: | 782 cm3 |
| Power: | 25 KW @ 5200 RPM 34 HP @ 5200 RPM 34 BHP @ 5200 RPM |
| Torque: | 38 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM 52 Nm @ 3000 RPM |
| Fuel System: | Carburetor |
| Fuel: | Gasoline |
| Fuel capacity: | 10 gallons (37.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed: | 75 mph (121 km/h) |
| Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 26 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
| Gearbox: | 4-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Front: | Drums |
| Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Tire Size: | 135SR13 |
DIMENSIONS | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 138.6 in (3520 mm) |
| Width: | 59.8 in (1519 mm) |
| Height: | 55.5 in (1410 mm) |
| Front/rear Track: | 50.4/49.2 in (1,280/1,250 mm) |
| Wheelbase: | 95.3 in (2421 mm) |
| Ground Clearance: | 5.7 in (145 mm) |
| Cargo Volume: | 7.6 cuFT (215 L) |
| Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.35 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Unladen Weight: | 1609.4 lbs (730 kg) |
| Gross Weight Limit: | 2336.9 lbs (1060 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
|---|---|
| Combined: | 35.1 mpg US (6.7 L/100Km) |
RENAULT 5 3 Doors
0.9L 4MT FWD (36 HP)
ENGINE SPECS - 0.9L 4MT FWD (36 HP) | |
|---|---|
| Cylinders: | L4 |
| Displacement: | 845 cm3 |
| Power: | 26 KW @ 5500 RPM 35 HP @ 5500 RPM 35 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
| Torque: | 41 lb-ft @ 2500 RPM 56 Nm @ 2500 RPM |
| Fuel System: | Carburetor |
| Fuel: | Gasoline |
| Fuel capacity: | 10 gallons (37.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed: | 76 mph (122 km/h) |
| Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 25 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
| Gearbox: | 4-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Front: | Drums |
| Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Tire Size: | 135SR13 |
DIMENSIONS | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 138.6 in (3520 mm) |
| Width: | 59.8 in (1519 mm) |
| Height: | 55.5 in (1410 mm) |
| Front/rear Track: | 50.4/49.2 in (1,280/1,250 mm) |
| Wheelbase: | 95.3 in (2421 mm) |
| Ground Clearance: | 5.7 in (145 mm) |
| Cargo Volume: | 7.6 cuFT (215 L) |
| Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.35 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Unladen Weight: | 1609.4 lbs (730 kg) |
| Gross Weight Limit: | 2336.9 lbs (1060 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
|---|---|
| Combined: | 37.3 mpg US (6.3 L/100Km) |
RENAULT 5 3 Doors
0.9L 4MT FWD (44 HP)
ENGINE SPECS - 0.9L 4MT FWD (44 HP) | |
|---|---|
| Cylinders: | L4 |
| Displacement: | 956 cm3 |
| Power: | 32.4 KW @ 5400 RPM 44 HP @ 5400 RPM 43 BHP @ 5400 RPM |
| Torque: | 47 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 63 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
| Fuel System: | Carburetor |
| Fuel: | Gasoline |
| Fuel capacity: | 10 gallons (37.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed: | 85 mph (137 km/h) |
| Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 21 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
| Gearbox: | 4-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Front: | Drums |
| Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Tire Size: | 135SR13 |
DIMENSIONS | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 138.6 in (3520 mm) |
| Width: | 59.8 in (1519 mm) |
| Height: | 55.5 in (1410 mm) |
| Front/rear Track: | 50.4/49.2 in (1,280/1,250 mm) |
| Wheelbase: | 95.3 in (2421 mm) |
| Ground Clearance: | 5.7 in (145 mm) |
| Cargo Volume: | 7.6 cuFT (215 L) |
| Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.35 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Unladen Weight: | 1709 lbs (775 kg) |
| Gross Weight Limit: | 2590 lbs (1175 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
|---|---|
| Combined: | 38.6 mpg US (6.1 L/100Km) |
RENAULT 5 3 Doors
1.1L 4MT FWD (44 HP)
ENGINE SPECS - 1.1L 4MT FWD (44 HP) | |
|---|---|
| Cylinders: | L4 |
| Displacement: | 1108 cm3 |
| Power: | 32.4 KW @ 4400 RPM 44 HP @ 4400 RPM 43 BHP @ 4400 RPM |
| Torque: | 63 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM 85 Nm @ 2000 RPM |
| Fuel System: | Carburetor |
| Fuel: | Gasoline |
| Fuel capacity: | 10 gallons (37.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed: | 84 mph (135 km/h) |
| Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 18.1 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
| Gearbox: | 4-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Front: | Discs |
| Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Tire Size: | 135SR13 |
DIMENSIONS | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 138.6 in (3520 mm) |
| Width: | 59.8 in (1519 mm) |
| Height: | 55.5 in (1410 mm) |
| Front/rear Track: | 50.4/49.2 in (1,280/1,250 mm) |
| Wheelbase: | 95.3 in (2421 mm) |
| Ground Clearance: | 5.7 in (145 mm) |
| Cargo Volume: | 7.6 cuFT (215 L) |
| Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.35 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Unladen Weight: | 1709 lbs (775 kg) |
| Gross Weight Limit: | 2590 lbs (1175 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
|---|---|
| Combined: | 39.2 mpg US (6 L/100Km) |
| CO2 Emissions: | 142.8 g/km |
RENAULT 5 3 Doors
1.3L 3AT FWD (55 HP)
ENGINE SPECS - 1.3L 3AT FWD (55 HP) | |
|---|---|
| Cylinders: | L4 |
| Displacement: | 1289 cm3 |
| Power: | 40 KW @ 5750 RPM 54 HP @ 5750 RPM 54 BHP @ 5750 RPM |
| Torque: | 69 lb-ft @ 2500 RPM 94 Nm @ 2500 RPM |
| Fuel System: | Carburetor |
| Fuel: | Gasoline |
| Fuel capacity: | 10 gallons (37.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed: | 87 mph (140 km/h) |
| Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 21.6 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
| Gearbox: | 3-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Front: | Discs |
| Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Tire Size: | 135SR13 |
DIMENSIONS | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 138.6 in (3520 mm) |
| Width: | 59.8 in (1519 mm) |
| Height: | 55.5 in (1410 mm) |
| Front/rear Track: | 50.4/49.2 in (1,280/1,250 mm) |
| Wheelbase: | 95.3 in (2421 mm) |
| Ground Clearance: | 5.7 in (145 mm) |
| Cargo Volume: | 7.6 cuFT (215 L) |
| Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.35 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Unladen Weight: | 1785.7 lbs (810 kg) |
| Gross Weight Limit: | 2667.6 lbs (1210 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
|---|---|
| Combined: | 28.7 mpg US (8.2 L/100Km) |
| CO2 Emissions: | 195.2 g/km |
RENAULT 5 3 Doors
1.3L 5MT FWD (65 HP)
ENGINE SPECS - 1.3L 5MT FWD (65 HP) | |
|---|---|
| Cylinders: | L4 |
| Displacement: | 1289 cm3 |
| Power: | 46 KW @ 6000 RPM 63 HP @ 6000 RPM 62 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
| Torque: | 68 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 92 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
| Fuel System: | Carburetor |
| Fuel: | Gasoline |
| Fuel capacity: | 10 gallons (37.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed: | 93.8 mph (151 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
| Gearbox: | 4-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Front: | Discs |
| Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Tire Size: | 145SR13 |
DIMENSIONS | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 138.6 in (3520 mm) |
| Width: | 59.8 in (1519 mm) |
| Height: | 55.5 in (1410 mm) |
| Front/rear Track: | 50.4/49.2 in (1,280/1,250 mm) |
| Wheelbase: | 95.3 in (2421 mm) |
| Ground Clearance: | 5.7 in (145 mm) |
| Cargo Volume: | 7.6 cuFT (215 L) |
| Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.35 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Unladen Weight: | 1763.7 lbs (800 kg) |
| Gross Weight Limit: | 2645.5 lbs (1200 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
|---|---|
| Combined: | 30.9 mpg US (7.6 L/100Km) |
| CO2 Emissions: | 180.9 g/km |
RENAULT 5 3 Doors
1.4L Alpine 5MT FWD (92 HP)
ENGINE SPECS - 1.4L Alpine 5MT FWD (92 HP) | |
|---|---|
| Cylinders: | L4 |
| Displacement: | 1397 cm3 |
| Power: | 67.7 KW @ 4300 RPM 92 HP @ 4300 RPM 91 BHP @ 4300 RPM |
| Torque: | 86 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 117 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
| Fuel System: | Carburetor |
| Fuel: | Gasoline |
| Fuel capacity: | 10 gallons (37.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed: | 108.7 mph (175 km/h) |
| Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 10.1 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
| Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Front: | Discs |
| Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Tire Size: | 155/70R13 |
DIMENSIONS | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 138.6 in (3520 mm) |
| Width: | 59.8 in (1519 mm) |
| Height: | 55.5 in (1410 mm) |
| Front/rear Track: | 50.4/49.2 in (1,280/1,250 mm) |
| Wheelbase: | 95.3 in (2421 mm) |
| Ground Clearance: | 5.7 in (145 mm) |
| Cargo Volume: | 7.6 cuFT (215 L) |
| Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.35 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Unladen Weight: | 1873.9 lbs (850 kg) |
| Gross Weight Limit: | 2755.8 lbs (1250 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
|---|---|
| Combined: | 29.1 mpg US (8.1 L/100Km) |
| CO2 Emissions: | 192.8 g/km |
RENAULT 5 3 Doors
1.4L Alpine Turbo 5MT FWD (110 HP)
ENGINE SPECS - 1.4L Alpine Turbo 5MT FWD (110 HP) | |
|---|---|
| Cylinders: | L4 |
| Displacement: | 1397 cm3 |
| Power: | 81 KW @ 6000 RPM 110 HP @ 6000 RPM 109 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
| Torque: | 110 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 149 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
| Fuel System: | Turbocharged Carburetor |
| Fuel: | Gasoline |
| Fuel capacity: | 10 gallons (37.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed: | 115 mph (185 km/h) |
| Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 8.4 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
| Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Front: | Discs |
| Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Tire Size: | 155/70R13 |
DIMENSIONS | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 138.6 in (3520 mm) |
| Width: | 59.8 in (1519 mm) |
| Height: | 55.5 in (1410 mm) |
| Front/rear Track: | 50.4/49.2 in (1,280/1,250 mm) |
| Wheelbase: | 95.3 in (2421 mm) |
| Ground Clearance: | 5.7 in (145 mm) |
| Cargo Volume: | 7.6 cuFT (215 L) |
| Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.35 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Unladen Weight: | 1873.9 lbs (850 kg) |
| Gross Weight Limit: | 2755.8 lbs (1250 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
|---|---|
| City: | 25.8 mpg US (9.1 L/100Km) |
| Highway: | 27.7 mpg US (8.5 L/100Km) |
| Combined: | 29.4 mpg US (8 L/100Km) |
| CO2 Emissions: | 192.8 g/km |