Production | |
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Model Year: | 1975 |
Production Years: | 1975 - 1986 discontinued in 1986 |
The Renault 30 (127) is a mid-sized hatchback that marked Renault’s foray into the luxury segment when it launched in 1975. Produced until 1986, this model combined practical hatchback versatility with a touch of executive refinement. Designed primarily as a front-engine, front-wheel-drive vehicle, the Renault 30 was notable for being one of the early hatchbacks to offer a V6 engine option, an unusual feature for its time. The vehicle's overall length was approximately 4.47 meters (176 inches), with a width near 1.7 meters (67 inches) and a height of roughly 1.39 meters (55 inches), providing an aerodynamic yet spacious profile within its class. The hatchback body style facilitated easy access to its cargo space, increasing its appeal as a family and executive car. Its curb weight hovered around 1,300 kilograms (2,866 pounds), balancing sufficient heft for stability with efficiency in driving dynamics. Throughout its 11 years in production, the Renault 30 (127) remained a distinct choice among European executive cars, prized for its innovative hatchback design, comfortable interior, and reliable performance. Collectors and automotive enthusiasts today appreciate its blend of classic 1970s aesthetics with technological advancements like the V6 engine, which was not common in hatchbacks of that period. The Renault 30 (127) stands as a symbol of Renault’s innovation and willingness to push boundaries in car design, offering a spacious, functional alternative to conventional sedans of the era.
Discover the standout features that make the 1975 Renault 30 a leader in its class
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The Renault 30 (127) hatchback, produced from 1975 to 1986, features a length of approximately 4,480 mm (176.4 inches), a width of about 1,740 mm (68.5 inches), and a height of around 1,410 mm (55.5 inches). These dimensions made it a relatively large hatchback for its time, offering a spacious cabin and comfortable ride quality. The broad width contributed to good interior room, while the height provided adequate headroom for passengers. Overall, these measurements reflect the typical European executive car design prevailing in the 1970s and early 1980s.
The Renault 30 (127) served as a replacement for the Renault 20, and while the two models share several mechanical components, the Renault 30 was positioned as a higher-end, more luxurious option with a more powerful V6 engine. Dimensionally, the Renault 30 is slightly longer and wider than its predecessor, leading to improved interior space and comfort. While the Renault 20 measured around 4,370 mm (172.0 inches) in length, the Renault 30's 4,480 mm length translates into a more commanding road presence. The wider body allowed for more shoulder room, enhancing passenger comfort. Overall, the Renault 30 was a step ahead in combining generous dimensions with upscale features.
The weight of the Renault 30 (127) hatchback ranges between approximately 1,180 kg to 1,280 kg (2,601 to 2,822 pounds), depending on specific trim levels and optional equipment. This moderate weight for a mid-1970s executive hatchback contributed to a balanced driving experience—offering stable handling while maintaining respectable fuel economy for its class. The use of a V6 engine and front-wheel-drive configuration benefited from this weight range by providing adequate acceleration and smooth power delivery, without compromising ride comfort. The car's weight also influenced its braking performance and overall road manners, which were seen as competent by contemporary standards.
The Renault 30 (127) hatchback offered a spacious cargo area thanks to its hatchback design, with a boot capacity of approximately 400 liters (14.1 cubic feet) when rear seats were in place. When folding down the rear seats, the cargo volume significantly increased, providing versatility for carrying large items or luggage. This flexibility made the model practical for families and those needing extra space without stepping up to a larger estate or station wagon. The hatchback configuration was innovative at the time for an executive car, emphasizing Renault's focus on utility combined with executive comfort.
Yes, the Renault 30 (127) fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. With its length of about 4,480 mm (176.4 inches) and width of 1,740 mm (68.5 inches), it is well within typical single-car garage dimensions, which commonly range from 4,800 mm (190 inches) in length and 2,400 mm (94 inches) in width. Its relatively modest height of 1,410 mm (55.5 inches) also means it does not pose height clearance issues. Owners during its production period and even today can reliably park the Renault 30 in standard garage spaces without difficulty, ensuring convenience alongside its executive features.
The Renault 30 (127) provides good interior space for both front and rear passengers, with ample headroom due to its height of approximately 1,410 mm (55.5 inches). Legroom was designed to comfortably accommodate adults in both seating rows, benefiting from the car's overall length of 4,480 mm (176.4 inches) which allowed a well-proportioned cabin layout. The wide body also contributes to spacious shoulder room, enhancing passenger comfort on long drives. The thoughtful interior dimensions helped make the Renault 30 a competitive choice in the executive hatchback market, offering space and luxury together.
The Renault 30 (127) was positioned in the executive hatchback segment and compared with contemporaries like the Opel Rekord, BMW 5 Series (E12), and Audi 100. Dimensionally, the Renault 30 was quite competitive—its length of 4,480 mm (176.4 inches) and width of 1,740 mm (68.5 inches) were similar to or slightly larger than these rivals. Its V6 engine was a distinguishing feature, providing a performance edge over many competitors using inline-four engines. Additionally, the hatchback design was somewhat unique in this class, blending practicality with executive luxury. While some competitors favored sedan body styles, the Renault 30's versatility gave it an advantage for customers wanting both space and style.
The Renault 30 (127) was notable for featuring one of the first V6 engines produced by Renault, specifically the PRV V6 engine co-developed with Peugeot and Volvo. This 2.7-liter V6 delivered smooth power and refined performance. The car was front-wheel drive, which was somewhat advanced for an executive car in that era, aiding in good interior space utilization and stable handling characteristics. Various trims offered some degree of luxury equipment such as power steering, advanced instrumentation, and comfortable seating. The Renault 30 effectively combined modern mechanical attributes with elegant styling to appeal to a higher-end market segment.
Fuel consumption for the Renault 30 (127) tended to be moderate considering its V6 engine and size, with average figures around 9 to 11 liters per 100 km (26 to 21 miles per gallon) under mixed driving conditions. The vehicle's weight, ranging approximately from 1,180 to 1,280 kg (2,601 to 2,822 pounds), contributed to this balance between performance and economy. The relatively light but sturdy build allowed the car to accelerate smoothly and maintain stable cruising speeds without excessive fuel usage, compared to heavier luxury sedans of the time. Drivers appreciated this blend of reasonable economy with steady power delivery.
While safety standards in the 1970s and early 1980s were not as rigorous as modern expectations, the Renault 30 (127) incorporated several notable safety features for its era. These included front disc brakes, a rigid passenger cell, and side-impact reinforcements, which were advanced elements at the time. The build quality reflected Renault's ambition to compete in the premium segment, with attention to robust materials and finish. However, by modern standards, it lacks contemporary safety tech such as airbags and electronic stability control. Overall, it was regarded as a solidly built car offering respectable safety relative to its peers during its production run.