1970 Renault 12 Variable Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Renault 12 Variable station wagon typically ranges between 1,030 to 1,100 kilograms (2,271 to 2,425 pounds) depending on the specific trim and equipment level. This relatively light weight for a station wagon of its class contributed to nimble handling and decent fuel economy for its time. The moderate weight facilitates easier maneuverability and responsiveness in urban environments and on winding roads. Additionally, the lightweight construction positively impacted fuel efficiency, which was an essential consideration during the 1970s amid evolving automotive regulations and fuel price concerns.

The Renault 12 Variable station wagon was designed to offer practical cargo space suitable for families and utility purposes typical of station wagons. While specific volume figures can vary slightly by model year and interior configuration, the car generally provides a cargo capacity of around 500 to 600 liters (17.7 to 21.2 cubic feet) with the rear seats upright. When the rear seats were folded down, available cargo space expanded significantly, making it suitable for transporting larger items or bulkier loads. This versatility was one of the key selling points for this model, as it combined the comfort of a passenger car with the utility of a small van.

The Renault 12 Variable station wagon has a wheelbase measuring approximately 2,485 mm (97.8 inches), which is fairly typical for compact station wagons produced in the 1970s. This wheelbase length strikes a balance between ride comfort and vehicle agility, contributing to stable handling without sacrificing maneuverability. When compared to other contemporaneous European station wagons, the Renault 12 Variable's wheelbase provided sufficient interior room for passengers and cargo while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for city driving. This makes it comparable to competitors in its class in terms of both space and driving dynamics.

Yes, the Renault 12 Variable station wagon comfortably fits into a standard residential garage. With an overall length of about 4,370 mm (172 inches) and a width of 1,620 mm (63.8 inches), it easily fits within typical garage dimensions, which are generally at least 6,000 mm (236 inches) long and 3,000 mm (118 inches) wide. The car's height of approximately 1,410 mm (55.5 inches) is well below most garage door heights, allowing ample clearance for easy parking and storage. Its reasonably compact dimensions make it practical for urban homeowners who require a station wagon with utility features that still fit in conventional parking spaces.

The Renault 12 Variable was essentially a variant of the Renault 12, developed to offer more cargo versatility in the form of a station wagon. Compared to earlier sedans or hatchback versions of the Renault 12, the Variable model features extended rear overhang and increased cargo capacity while maintaining much of the same overall footprint. The length increased slightly to accommodate the larger cargo area, without a significant change in width or height. This evolution allowed the Variable to offer greater utility than the traditional Renault 12 sedan, appealing to buyers who needed more flexible storage while retaining the familiar driving characteristics of the standard model.

When compared to similar station wagons of the early 1970s, such as the Peugeot 504 Break or the Ford Taunus Turnier, the Renault 12 Variable occupies a slightly more compact niche. Its overall dimensions are smaller, contributing to easier maneuverability and parking in urban settings, though it offers competitive cargo capacity within this smaller size class. Feature-wise, the Renault 12 Variable maintained a simple but practical design, emphasizing reliability and ease of maintenance over luxury. While competitors might have offered more advanced amenities or larger engines, the Renault 12 Variable provided a balanced combination of economy, space, and everyday usability that was well suited for the European market of that time.

The Renault 12 Variable station wagon typically seats five passengers comfortably with two front bucket seats and a rear bench seat. This capacity was standard among station wagons of its era, providing sufficient room for a family or group of friends. The interior was designed to maximize space efficiency, with adequate legroom and headroom for adults in both front and rear seats. Although compact by modern standards, the Renault 12 Variable's seating arrangement balanced comfort with the need to retain a sizable cargo area behind the rear bench. This made it a practical choice for families who required flexible space without compromising occupant comfort.

The Renault 12 Variable was mostly powered by a 1.3-liter or 1.4-liter inline-four petrol engines during its production. These engines typically produced between 54 and 60 horsepower, depending on the market and specific model year. The power output was focused more on fuel efficiency and reliability, suitable for everyday driving rather than sporty performance. The vehicle featured a rear-wheel-drive layout, paired with either a 4-speed manual or, less commonly, a 3-speed automatic transmission. Its performance was sufficient for urban and highway use but reflected the modest performance standards of compact family wagons of the 1970s rather than sporty or high-performance benchmarks.

The Renault 12 Variable station wagon was highly practical for families and utility use during the 1970s. Its station wagon body style combined passenger comfort with enhanced cargo space, making it an ideal vehicle for family trips, daily errands, and light cargo hauling. Compared to sedans or coupes of the era, it offered vastly better storage capacity with rear seats that could be folded to increase usable volume significantly. While not as large as some full-size wagons or vans, the Variable provided an excellent compromise of size, versatility, and manageable dimensions for urban and rural settings alike, establishing itself as a reliable and economical family car in its segment.