Renault 14
| Renault 14 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Renault |
| Production | 1976-1983 |
| Assembly |
Douai, France Haren, Belgium |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Small family car (C) |
| Body style | 4-door hatchback |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.2 L I4, 59 PS (43 kW; 58 hp) 1.4 L I4, 60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp) or 70 PS (51 kW; 69 hp) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,530 mm (100 in)/ 2,560 mm (101 in) |
| Length | 4,025 mm (158.5 in) |
| Width | 1,624 mm (63.9 in) |
| Height | 1,405 mm (55.3 in) |
| Curb weight | 855 kg (1,885 lb)-890 kg (1,962 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | None |
| Successor | Renault 9 & 11 |
The Renault 14 is a compact car produced by the French manufacturer Renault between 1976 and 1983. It was first shown in January 1976 with production beginning in June of that year.
It was the first car to be produced in large volumes at the company's then new plant at Douai, although small pilot runs of the Renault 5 had preceded the 14's production in the factory.
Featuring front wheel drive, the 14 was developed to compete in the small family hatchback sector, which had been popularized by the launch of the Volkswagen Golf in 1974. Initially, the 14 was available in L and TL trim levels with a 1.2 L single overhead camshaft engine and later 1.4 L versions with 60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp) (R14 GTL) or 70 PS (51 kW; 69 hp) (R14 TS) joined the line-up. Both units were the X-type engine (commonly known as the "Douvrin" or "Suitcase Engine") jointly developed with Peugeot, although the 14 turned to be the only Renault vehicle that used the unit. The design was generally well thought out and practical with interior space a major selling point, including a rear seat that could either be folded or removed completely. In addition, the spare wheel was carried at the front, under the bonnet and above the transverse 4-cylinder engine that was inclined backwards by 72°. Although all Renault cars were by now front wheel drive, the 14 was the first of the manufacturer's models to incorporate a space saving Mini-like transversely mounted engine. The exterior styling of the Renault 14 was praised by the motoring press as being fresh and ahead of its time and many have drawn a parallel between it and the later Peugeot 205.
The 14 shared with several previous Renault models a rear suspension system using two full-width torsion bars positioned one behind the other, along with the resulting wheelbase difference of more than 1 inch (32 mm) between the left and right sides of the car.
For 1979 Renault sought to compensate for a slow start in the marketplace, widening the range upmarket with a "GTL" version of the car taking its wheels and some other ornaments and interior styling cues from the newly launched Renault 18, and a "TS" with twin chamber carburetor and claimed power raised from 57 hp (43 kW) to 70 hp (52 kW). In Renault 14 TS new Halogen "H4" lights brightened the way ahead after dark, and showroom appeal was enhanced with electric windows in the front, which was a first for this class of car in the French market.
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