| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1991 |
| Production Years: | 1991 - 1994 discontinued in 1994 |
The Renault Rapid pickup truck, produced between 1991 and 1994, represents a compact and utilitarian vehicle designed for light commercial use. This generation of the Rapid maintained Renault's reputation for combining practical design with efficient performance in a small footprint. Although exact dimensions vary slightly by market and configuration, the Renault Rapid from this period is characterized by its compact size, making it suitable for urban environments and light cargo transport. Typically, the vehicle's length ranged around 4,200 mm (approximately 165 inches), with a width near 1,620 mm (roughly 64 inches), balancing maneuverability with sufficient cargo space. Height measurements usually hovered around 1,600 mm (63 inches), enabling a comfortable driving posture and functional bed capacity. The pickup was engineered to offer a lightweight chassis, often reflecting a curb weight near 1,000 to 1,100 kg (2,200 to 2,425 lbs), making it economical to run and easy to handle. Its compact dimensions made it well-suited for small to medium loads, ideal for tradespeople and small business users requiring reliable transport without the bulk of larger trucks. The Renault Rapid pickup was part of Renault’s strategy to address the needs of light commercial vehicle markets in Europe during the early 1990s, offering a simple yet effective solution with robust engineering. Whether for city driving or rural work, this iteration of the Rapid pickup remains a noteworthy example of efficient truck design in the compact segment, with features tailored to durability and utility.
Discover the standout features that make the 1991 Renault Rapid a leader in its class
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The Renault Rapid pickup truck produced between 1991 and 1994 has a compact yet functional design typical for small utility vehicles of its time. Although official factory dimensions are not extensively documented, it generally measures approximately 4,030 mm (158.7 inches) in length, 1,650 mm (64.9 inches) in width, and about 1,690 mm (66.5 inches) in height. These dimensions make it manageable for city driving and light commercial use, balancing interior cabin space with the bed area for cargo transport.
The cargo bed of the Renault Rapid pickup from the early '90s is designed to maximize practical hauling capability within its compact size. The bed length measures roughly 1,800 mm (70.9 inches), with a width close to 1,600 mm (63 inches), allowing it to carry a variety of goods efficiently. Load capacity typically falls around 600 to 700 kilograms (1322 to 1543 pounds), making it suitable for small business owners, tradespeople, or farmers requiring a versatile light-duty vehicle. This balance of cargo volume and payload is one of the Rapid's core strengths.
The Renault Rapid pickup during this period generally weighs approximately 1,000 to 1,100 kilograms (2,205 to 2,425 pounds) curb weight, depending on the trim and options such as cab configuration or additional equipment. This relatively light weight contributes to better fuel economy, ease of maneuvering in urban environments, and compliance with many light-vehicle licensing categories. The modest weight also helps the Rapid maintain its payload capacity without compromising structural integrity.
Yes, the Renault Rapid pickup from 1991 to 1994 fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Typical single-car garages have internal dimensions of about 2,400 mm (7 ft 10.5 in) width, 4,800 mm (15 ft 9 in) length, and around 2,100 to 2,400 mm (6 ft 11 in to 7 ft 10.5 in) height clearance. Given the Rapid’s length of roughly 4,030 mm (158.7 in), width of 1,650 mm (64.9 in), and height near 1,690 mm (66.5 in), it will fit with space to spare on all sides, allowing for easier parking and accessibility.
The Renault Rapid from 1991-1994 is a continuation of Renault’s compact pickup lineage, succeeding the original Rapid from the 1980s. Dimensionally, the newer Rapid remains quite consistent with its predecessor, with only slight increases in length and width to improve interior space and cargo capacity. The predecessor generally measured about 3,900 mm (153.5 inches) in length and 1,620 mm (63.8 inches) in width, so the 1991 Rapid grew by approximately 130 mm (5 inches) in length and 30 mm (1.2 inches) in width. Height remained nearly identical, maintaining a product familiar to loyal users but slightly enhanced for better usability.
Internationally, the Renault Rapid’s dimensions put it in the compact pickup category, comparable to vehicles such as the Volkswagen Caddy or the Škoda Pick-up from the same era. For example, the VW Caddy measured around 4,070 mm (160.2 inches) in length and 1,640 mm (64.6 inches) wide, very close to the Rapid. These trucks were designed for urban utility and efficiency rather than large-scale hauling. The Rapid’s slightly lighter weight and comparable cargo bed dimensions allowed it to compete effectively in small business use where maneuverability and fuel economy were prized over sheer size.
The 1991-1994 Renault Rapid pickup is designed primarily as a two-seater vehicle with limited passenger space, focusing more on utility than passenger comfort. The cabin provides sufficient legroom and headroom for the driver and a front passenger, featuring a simple and practical dashboard layout. The relatively compact dimensions mean rear seating is generally not available; instead, the focus is on maximizing the cargo bed space for transporting goods. This setup suits tradespeople or businesses needing a reliable work vehicle rather than family transportation.
The Renault Rapid pickup’s width of about 1,650 mm (64.9 inches) aids its ability to navigate narrow urban streets and park in tight spaces typical of European cities and towns. The turning radius is estimated around 5.1 meters (16.7 feet), which is relatively tight for pickup trucks, enhancing maneuverability in confined areas such as loading docks, city streets, and parking garages. This dimension is favorable for commercial users who need both utility and the capability to operate in dense urban environments without difficulty.
With an exterior height near 1,690 mm (66.5 inches) and a ground clearance typically around 160 mm (6.3 inches), the Renault Rapid pickup of the early '90s strikes a balance between a low-profile design for improved aerodynamic efficiency and enough clearance to handle mild off-road, rural, or uneven terrain. While not a full off-road vehicle, its ground clearance is sufficient for many light commercial tasks such as farm use, deliveries on gravel roads, and other moderately rough conditions, making it versatile without sacrificing stability.
The Renault Rapid pickup from 1991 to 1994 was typically equipped with small-displacement petrol or diesel engines, commonly around 1.6 liters in capacity. These engines produced modest power outputs that prioritized fuel economy and reliability over performance, with average combined fuel consumption figures around 7 to 8 liters per 100 kilometers (29 to 35 miles per gallon). This efficient fuel use, combined with the vehicle’s light weight, made it an economical choice for businesses and individuals requiring inexpensive daily transport and regular load carrying without excessive fuel costs.
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