| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1976 |
| Production Years: | 1976 - 1983 discontinued in 1983 |
The Renault 14 (121), produced from 1976 to 1983, is a distinctive French compact hatchback that marked Renault's entry into the practical and versatile small car segment. Designed to offer a unique blend of space efficiency and economic performance, the Renault 14 stood out for its clever engineering and distinctive styling during a competitive era for hatchbacks.
Measuring approximately 3,830 mm (150.8 inches) in length, the Renault 14 provided a compact footprint ideal for urban driving and ease of parking, while still offering sufficient interior space for passengers and luggage. The width of the vehicle was about 1,610 mm (63.4 inches), allowing for comfortable seating and a manageable size on country or city roads. Its height was roughly 1,420 mm (55.9 inches), contributing to the car's hatchback profile that maximized cabin volume.
The Renault 14's hatchback design was innovative in the late 1970s, emphasizing rear access and flexibility for carrying cargo. It appealed to drivers looking for a reliable yet economical car without sacrificing interior comfort. Throughout its production run from 1976 until 1983, the model was popular among budget-conscious consumers and those seeking a practical second car.
While detailed weight and engine specifications vary by model and trim, the Renault 14 was typically powered by small displacement engines that prioritized fuel efficiency rather than outright performance. The combination of compact dimensions, lightweight construction, and efficient power units made it an appealing choice during an era when fuel economy was becoming an increasingly important factor.
In the context of its time, the Renault 14 competed with other small hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf Mk1 and Peugeot 104, but it distinguished itself through idiosyncratic styling and French automotive ingenuity. Today, the Renault 14 (121) remains a notable example of 1970s hatchback design, illustrating Renault's approach to creating a versatile and affordable car size for the European market.
Discover the standout features that make the 1976 Renault 14 a leader in its class
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The Renault 14 (121) hatchback measures approximately 3,850 millimeters (151.6 inches) in length, with a width of around 1,610 millimeters (63.4 inches) and a height of about 1,435 millimeters (56.5 inches). These compact dimensions reflect the car’s design focus on providing a practical urban-friendly hatchback that was easy to maneuver and park in city environments. The relatively modest size also contributed to light weight and efficient fuel consumption, which was particularly important for cars produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The Renault 14 (121) hatchback has a curb weight of approximately 875 to 950 kilograms (1,930 to 2,095 pounds), depending on specific trim and equipment levels. This lightweight construction helped enhance fuel efficiency and agility, making the car nimble on urban roads. The modest weight also meant that the relatively small engines fitted to the Renault 14 could provide adequate performance without being overworked, though the vehicle was not designed for sporty driving but rather for practical, economical use.
The Renault 14 (121) is designed as a compact 5-door hatchback capable of comfortably seating up to five passengers, including the driver. Its interior layout emphasizes functionality with a straightforward cabin design and decent headroom and legroom for the class during its production years. Although compact, the unusual front-engine front-wheel-drive layout allowed for a reasonable amount of cabin space. Rear seat passengers benefit from adequate seating space, though longer trips might feel cramped for taller adults due to the car’s overall smaller dimensions.
Yes, the Renault 14 (121) can comfortably fit inside a standard residential garage. Given its compact overall length of about 3.85 meters (12.6 feet) and width of approximately 1.61 meters (5.3 feet), it is smaller than the average modern car, making it convenient for storage in typical home garages which generally provide clearance for vehicles around 5 to 6 meters (16 to 20 feet) in length and about 2.4 meters (8 feet) in width. Its relatively low height of 1.435 meters (4.7 feet) also poses no clearance issues for most residential garages.
The Renault 14 (121) did not have a direct predecessor model with the same name, as it was introduced as a new compact hatchback in Renault’s lineup in 1976. However, compared to Renault’s earlier small cars like the Renault 5, the 14 was somewhat larger in length and width, aiming for a slightly more upscale and spacious offering. Its unique hatchback design with a front engine and front-wheel drive provided a different packaging solution and a more spacious interior than the Renault 5, highlighting Renault’s shift toward creating more practical and comfortable compact cars.
With a width of around 1,610 millimeters (63.4 inches) and a height of approximately 1,435 millimeters (56.5 inches), the Renault 14 (121) presents a low and relatively narrow profile compared to many other hatchbacks produced in the same era. Its slim width aids in easy maneuverability through narrow city streets and tight parking spaces, while the lower roofline contributes to a stable driving feel by lowering the center of gravity. However, the compact width can impact passenger comfort and shoulder room inside the cabin, particularly for three adults in the rear seat.
The Renault 14 (121), being a five-door hatchback, offers a versatile cargo space that was considered practical for its time. Though exact liters measurements are not commonly documented, the hatchback layout provides a decent amount of luggage capacity with the rear seats in place, likely around 280 to 300 liters (9.9 to 10.6 cubic feet). Folding the rear seats flat increases the cargo space substantially, making it suitable for transporting larger items such as suitcases or groceries. This flexibility was one of the strengths of the Renault 14’s design, appealing to small families and city dwellers.
Compared to its contemporaries such as the Volkswagen Golf Mk1, Ford Fiesta Mk1, and Peugeot 104, the Renault 14 (121) occupied a similar compact segment but offered a distinctive design approach with its slightly taller hatchback body and unique styling cues. In terms of size, it was very competitive—its length of 3.85 meters (151.6 inches) was close to the Golf Mk1’s 3.99 meters (157 inches), slightly smaller than some rivals, which emphasized urban use. The Renault 14 often stood out for its innovative front-wheel-drive setup and the unusual rear suspension design that was engineered for practical handling and ride comfort.
The Renault 14 (121) typically came with a fuel tank capacity of approximately 40 liters (10.6 US gallons / 8.8 imperial gallons). Considering the car’s relatively lightweight design and economical engines, this tank capacity allowed for a reasonable driving range. Fuel economy figures varied depending on engine options and driving conditions, but on average, the Renault 14 could travel approximately 400 to 500 kilometers (249 to 310 miles) on a full tank, making it a practical choice for both city and occasional longer drives of its era.
The Renault 14 (121) was typically offered with four-cylinder petrol engines, including options such as a 1.2-liter and a 1.4-liter engine, both designed for fuel efficiency and ease of maintenance rather than outright performance. Power outputs ranged from around 47 to 60 horsepower depending on the market and engine variant. The top speed generally hovered around 140 km/h (87 mph) for the higher-powered variants. The engines were paired with a 4- or 5-speed manual transmission, contributing to a smooth driving experience that was ideal for urban and suburban environments, although not particularly sporty or fast by modern standards.
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