1965 Renault 16 (115) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Renault 16 (115) weighs approximately 1,000 to 1,100 kilograms (2,205 to 2,425 pounds), depending on specific trim and equipment. This curb weight was fairly typical for mid-sized hatchbacks of the time, balancing robustness and efficiency. Its weight contributes to a stable driving experience without compromising agility, important for a family-oriented vehicle. Compared to competitors in the mid-1960s to late 1970s hatchback segment, the Renault 16 was neither overly heavy nor exceptionally light, offering a good combination of structural integrity and fuel economy that made it popular among buyers seeking practicality and reliability.

The Renault 16 (115) was designed as a versatile family hatchback, capable of comfortably seating five passengers. The interior space was considered generous for its class and era, featuring innovative front-wheel-drive packaging that enhanced cabin room. The rear seats could be folded down to increase cargo area, a flexible feature that contributed significantly to the car's appeal. Headroom and legroom were adequate for average adults, ensuring reasonable comfort on longer journeys. The hatchback design allowed for easier loading of bulky items compared to typical sedans of the period, enhancing its practicality as a daily-use vehicle.

The Renault 16 (115) hatchback offers a notably versatile cargo capacity, with the rear seats up providing a modest storage volume typical of compact cars from the era. However, when the rear seats are folded down or removed, the cargo space expands considerably, allowing for the transport of larger or longer items. This flexibility was a key selling point, as the Renault 16 was one of the pioneers in combining passenger comfort with practical cargo hauling in a hatchback layout. Exact volume measurements are limited for this generation, but the adaptability of interior space made it an excellent choice for families and users needing both passenger and cargo options.

Yes, the Renault 16 (115) fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Its length of about 4.2 meters (13.8 feet), width of 1.63 meters (5.35 feet), and height of 1.44 meters (4.7 feet) ensure it occupies less space than many modern vehicles. This compact footprint makes it easy to park in tight urban garages and driveways. Additionally, its moderate height and width aid maneuverability in confined spaces. Owners typically experience no issues with clearance or fitting it in standard garage dimensions, which average around 6 meters in length and 3 meters in width, making the Renault 16 a practical car for typical home parking settings.

The Renault 16 (115) represents the original and sole generation in the Renault 16 model line, as there was no predecessor model before its 1965 launch. This means the 16 (115) set the benchmark for its own segment with its innovative hatchback design and size characteristics. It stood out in the market by combining the practicality of a family car with the compactness typically found in smaller vehicles. The 16 (115) essentially defined its own class, as Renault did not produce an earlier 16 generation. Its unique dimensions and features influenced future hatchbacks but were pioneering for its own era.

Compared with similar hatchbacks from the 1960s and 1970s, the Renault 16 (115) was slightly larger and more versatile in terms of interior space and cargo flexibility. While many competitors had smaller hatchbacks with less interior volume, the Renault 16 offered a more spacious cabin due to its front-wheel-drive layout and hatchback design. Dimensionally, its length of about 4.2 meters (165.4 inches) and width of 1.63 meters (64.2 inches) placed it in a comfortable mid-size category, larger than compact hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf Mk1 (introduced in 1974), but smaller than larger family sedans and estates. Its innovative use of interior space set it apart as one of the most practical hatches of its time.

Specific data on the Renault 16 (115)'s ground clearance and turning radius are somewhat limited, but typical values for cars of its class and time period suggest a ground clearance of around 140 to 160 mm (5.5 to 6.3 inches). This height balances the need for satisfactory road handling and minor obstacle clearance, making it suitable for both city and rural roads. The turning radius is estimated to be about 10 to 11 meters (32.8 to 36 feet), facilitating easy maneuverability in urban environments and parking situations. These values contributed to its reputation as an agile and practical vehicle for everyday use.

The Renault 16 (115) was revolutionary for introducing one of the first successful hatchback designs combining passenger car comfort with flexible cargo capacity. It offered front-wheel drive, improving interior space and handling compared to rear-wheel-drive competitors. The car featured a five-door layout with a spacious interior, balanced handling, and a smooth ride for its time. It was equipped with innovative adaptive rear seating arrangements, allowing users to fold or remove the rear seats to boost cargo room. Additionally, the Renault 16 won several awards, including the 1966 European Car of the Year, recognizing its blend of design, practicality, and technological innovation.

The Renault 16 (115) offered a range of inline-four petrol engines during its production span from 1965 to 1980, starting with smaller-displacement units around 1.3 liters, progressing to more powerful 1.6- and 1.7-liter variants in later years. These engines were designed to provide a good balance of performance and fuel economy for a family car. Transmission options typically included a 4-speed manual gearbox, with some models featuring a 5-speed manual or an automatic transmission later in the production cycle. The front-wheel-drive layout helped improve traction and handling characteristics across all engine versions, reinforcing its reputation as a pioneer in combining practicality with drivability.