At the beginning of 2021, Renault announced a new strategy called 'Renaulution' – a 3-phase plan to launch the company into the future. Renaulution includes the latest concept vehicle, the Renault 5 Prototype. But such a proposed future rests on a legacy and a history of great models that have sustained Renault over the years.

Since World War 2, Renault has launched a wide variety of models. Some were designed with a family in mind, such as the Espace. Others have a racing pedigree, such as the Renault 5 and even the Dauphine. Still, others were the product of their time, such as the 4CV. Let's take a look at some of the most iconic classic cars and modern models from Renault.

UPDATE: 2023/12/27 10:54 EST BY RON FP

12 Best Renault Cars Of All Time

How we chose our models: HotCars analyzed Renault models' specifications and performance, as well as their impact on Renault's automotive manufacturing history. We updated this article to add two of the newer models currently in the manufacturer's lineup. Models were ranked from lowest to highest current market prices, as sourced from manufacturer websites and classic.com.

12 Renault Fuego: $8,684

Renault Fuego
Hemmings

Performance Specs (Diesel)

Power

87 hp

Torque

133 lb-ft

Curb weight

2,535 lbs

0 - 60 mph

9.3 - 11.7 sec

Top speed

110 mph

The Renault Fuego was launched in 1980. Even though 'Fuego' in Spanish means fire, it never seemed to ignite as many sales in the U.S. as Renault would have wanted. Its body was designed by Michel Jardin with Francois Lampreia working on the interior. Jardin reportedly proposed a five-door version.

There were many things to love about the Renault Fuego. The car had good aerodynamics, and with a top speed of 110 mph, it was considered the fastest diesel car in the world in the early eighties. The central locking system with remote control was another first for the Fuego.

11 Renault Dauphine: $10,601

Renault Dauphine - Front
Via Bring A Trailer

Performance Specs

Power

26 hp

Torque

42 lb-ft

Curb weight

1,389 lbs

0 - 60 mph

36.9 sec

Top speed

67 mph

Replacing the 4CV, the Renault Dauphine may have been a classic car that still needed some work out of the factory, as it was powered by an 845 cc engine. This four-door sedan was 12 inches longer than the 4CV (its wheelbase was 6 inches longer). Renault offered several versions of the Dauphine, including the Ondine and the Gordini.

The Dauphine became popular throughout Europe, proven by the fact that Renault produced 2,150,738 Dauphines over a decade. It was also successful on the track, as the Renault Dauphine won at the Tour De Corse in '56, '58, '59, and '62. It was also successful at the Monte Carlo Rally in '58.

10 Renault 16: $11,850

1969 Renault 16 1920x1080
Bring A Trailer

Performance Specs

Power

82 hp

Torque

87 lb-ft

Curb weight

2,337 lbs

0 - 60 mph

13.3 sec

Top speed

102 mph

In 1965, the talented Philippe Charbonneaux, the man behind the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette (a car that can be worth a fortune today) and the Renault 8, took charge of the design of the Renault 16 along with Gaston Juchet. The Renault 16 was a five-door family hatchback saloon, known for its versatility. It has that wagon look yet still retains a sedan feel.

Known for its good road handling, the Renault 16 included all-independent suspension. One of its distinctive design features is the longer left wheelbase. Renault brought out the TX model in 1973 (but the oil crisis was not great for sales).

9 Renault Espace: $16,778

Renault Espace Front Quarter Dark Orange
Renault

Performance Specs (2015 model)

Power

168 hp

Torque

199 lb-ft

Curb weight

3,891 lbs

0 - 60 mph

9.2 sec

Top speed

127 mph

The Renault Espace was launched in 1984. With its fiberglass body and its galvanized steel chassis, the Espace 1 was one of the cars that pioneered new auto segments with its multipurpose design. The Series II arrived in 1988, featuring some cosmetic improvements, such as changed headlights. The Espace II arrived in 1991, and 316,518 units were produced over 5 years. Gamers would be familiar with the Espace F1 featured on Gran Turismo 2, as this MPV was capable of a top speed of 194 mph.

The Mk3 came along in 1996 with the Grand Espace with its longer wheelbase hitting the market several years later. The Mk4 was 90% recyclable, using materials that reduce weight and ultimately improve fuel efficiency. The Mk5 arrived in 2015 - the culmination of an evolving model that only improved over time.

8 Renault Caravelle: $18,408

Renault Caravelle: The affordable classic sports car.
via: Bring a Trailer

Performance Specs

Power

46 hp

Torque

61 lb-ft

Curb weight

1,764 lbs

0 - 60 mph

17.5 sec

Top speed

84 mph

Also called the Floride in Europe, the Renault Caravelle debuted in 1958 at the Paris Auto Show. Renault was taking on Karmann-Ghia - Volkswagen's best classic sports car - which was introduced in 1955.

Renault offered the Caravelle in a variety of styles, including cabriolet, convertible, and coupé. It was upgraded in 1962, receiving a new 956-cc 51-horsepower engine. Over its production lifecycle, it was powered by one of three different engines - an 845 cc, 956 cc, or a 1.1 L engine. The Caravelle model ceased production in 1968 with falling sales.

7 Renault 4CV: $24,814

1953 Renault 4CV
Hemmings

Performance Specs

Power

21 hp

Torque

35 lb-ft

Curb weight

1,257 lbs

0 - 60 mph

64.1 sec

Top speed

62 mph

A detailed look at the Renault 4CV will show that it was a product of the postwar era, secretly designed during the war. Louis Renault's instructions were to "make him a car like the Germans!" Inspired by Ferdinand Porsche's Volkswagen, the 4CV was launched the year after the war.

Because of its shape and the initial yellow paint job, the leftover paint from German army vehicles, the 4CV became known as 'the lump of butter.' It was manufactured from 1946 to 1961. Due to a beleaguered French economy after the war, sales were slow. Delivering 21 horsepower, the 4CV was reportedly capable of accelerating from 0-56 mph in 38 seconds.

6 Renault Alpine GTA: $24,967

Renault Alpine GTA turbo
Mecum Auctions

Performance Specs

Power

158 hp

Torque

167 lb-ft

Curb weight

2,447 lbs

0 - 60 mph

6.8 sec

Top speed

146 mph

The Renault Alpine GTA was an eighties' successor to the Alpine A310. It was the reflection of a European war of car design, with this French offering competing against the likes of Porsche. Car dealer Jean Rédélé founded the Societe des Automobiles Alpine in 1955, from where the Alpine brand was born, with its first model being the A106.

The Alpine GTA was longer and wider than the classic and highly-valued Alpine A310. Launched in 1984, it was powered by a 2,849cc V6 engine, delivering 158 horsepower. In 1985, the 2.5-liter turbocharged V6 option was available. In 1989, the Mille Miles version hit the roads, and then, in 1990, the limited edition LeMans came out with its revamped headlights.

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5 Renault R8 Gordini: $41,663

Renault R8 Gordini
Wikimedia Commons/Jeremy

Known in the automotive world as "The Wizard", Amédée Gordini was not only a racing legend (racing in events such as the 24 hours of Le Mans) but also a genius designer. His 'magical' touch was the impetus for the R8 debuting in '64. In 1964, the R8 Gordini was the successor to the Dauphine Gordini. Both of these models were considered quirky cars from a quirky automaker.

The R8 Gordini could reach a top speed of 106 mph. It was powered by a 1,108-cc engine with a 4-speed gearbox. Built for competition, it came home to victory in the 1964 Tour de Corse, following up its success with victories in the same event in '65 and '66.

Performance Specs

Power

95 hp

Torque

72 lb-ft

Curb weight

1,881 lbs

0 - 60 mph

12.3 sec

Top speed

106 mph

4 Renault Clio V6: $43,172

2003 Renault Sport Clio V6 Exterior Front Angle, blue
Via: Renault

The Clio, which sold over 15 million units throughout its production from 1990, was the successor of the Renault 5. The Clio was a nice reprieve from the company's ups and downs in the '80s (when Renault was even on the verge of bankruptcy in 1984-1985). In 1998, the 2nd gen models were released. They were longer, aiming for increased spaciousness. The Clio Mk 3 was released in 2005. Larger and heavier than its predecessor, it offered a three-door hatchback, along with a five-door version.

The Mk 4, launched in 2013, was only available in a five-door option, with a range of engine choices. The Mk 5 was unveiled in 2019, ultimately building on the success of its predecessors. Let's not forget the mid-engined Clio V6, which was one of the craziest hot hatches ever. The Clio V6, with its wide frame, pays tribute to the R5 turbo of the eighties.

Performance Specs

Power

251 hp

Torque

221 lb-ft

Curb weight

3,086 lbs

0 - 60 mph

5.7 sec

Top speed

152 mph

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3 Renault Megane RS Trophy R: $44,756

2020 Renault-Megane_RS_Trophy-R 1920x1080
Renault

Although it is quite an underrated hot hatch, the Renault Megane RS Trophy R, there are several reasons why it deserves more attention than it gets compared to the Honda Civic Type R and the Volkswagen Golf R. In its final iteration based on the 4th-generation Megane, the RS Trophy R drew 296 horses and 295 lb-ft of torque from a 1.8-liter turbocharged I4 engine. Although this horsepower output is slightly lower than those of the Civic and the Golf, the Megane is light - with a curb weight below 2,900 lbs. due to the modifications to make it track-ready.

Performance Specs

Power

296 hp

Torque

295 lb-ft

Curb weight

2,879 lbs

0 - 60 mph

5.2 sec

Top speed

163 mph

2 Renault Megane RS Ultime: $44,185 - $50,824

2023 Renault-Megane_RS_Ultime-2023 1920x1080
Renault

Hot hatch enthusiasts wish the Megane RS was sold in the States, but unfortunately, it seems that this wish will not be fulfilled. Released for the 2023 model year, the Ultime is the final version of the Megane RS. Despite being heavier than the track-ready Trophy R, the Megane RS Ultime is still quick and fast, thanks to the 300 ponies and 310 lb-ft of twist delivered by its 1.8-liter turbo I4 engine. Only 1,976 Megane RS Ultime units will be produced - a tribute to the Renault Sport division's founding year.

Performance Specs

Power

300 hp

Torque

310 lb-ft

Curb weight

3,128 lbs

0 - 60 mph

5.7 sec

Top speed

162 mph

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Renault has always been innovative and pushed design boundaries, but some of their concept cars might be a bit too weird.

1 Renault 5: $64,841

1980 RENAULT SERIES 1 R5 TURBO
Mecum Auctions

Renault has recently revealed the new R5 concept EV, a flashback to the '70s and '80s Renault 5. First released in 1972, it would soon prove popular. The styling of this three-door and five-door hatchback was distinctive with its wraparound bumpers, square headlights, and the straight, sharp lines of its design.

Looking back at the R5 Turbo, it sported success in the competitive arena, winning the Monte Carlo Rally in '81 along with a string of European rally events in the eighties as it competed in the group 3 and 4 categories of the FIA rally championship.

Performance Specs

Power

158 hp

Torque

163 lb-ft

Curb weight

2,138 lbs

0 - 60 mph

6.2 sec

Top speed

127 mph

External Sources: Renault, Zero To 60 Times, classic.com