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Renault 19

From Alfawiki
Renault
Company typePublic
IndustryAutomotive
FoundedFebruary 25, 1899; 127 years ago (1899-02-25) in France
FounderLouis Renault, Marcel Renault, Fernand Renault
Headquarters
Boulogne-Billancourt
,
France
ProductsAutomobiles, commercial vehicles
Websitewww.renault.com

The Renault 19 is a compact family vehicle manufactured by the French automaker Renault between 1988 and 1996, with production extending until 2000 in Turkey and Argentina. It was internally designated as X53, while its chassis codes differed according to the body style: five-door B53, three-door C53, the Chamade sedan L53, and the Cabriolet D53.

Overview

Introduced in June 1988 and available in France by September of the same year, the R19 succeeded the older Renault 9 and 11 models. The right-hand drive variants intended for the UK market were launched in February 1989. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the R19 debuted Renault’s new E-type ("Energy") engine lineup, which included a 1.4 L petrol and a 1.7 L petrol option. Entry-level versions utilized OHV Cléon engines of either 1.2 or 1.4 L, depending on the region. At launch, only naturally aspirated diesel engines were offered, with a turbocharged diesel variant introduced in early 1992.

Renault altered its naming convention by branding the sedan model as the 19 Chamade, released in 1989 to differentiate it from the hatchback versions. Following a facelift in 1992, the Chamade badge was frequently replaced by "Europa." Typically, Chamade purchasers were older males from rural areas, contrasting with hatchback buyers.

A convertible version crafted by Karmann appeared in early 1992 after being previewed in 1991. This bodystyle was available solely with the two most powerful engine options and was produced in limited quantities during its initial pre-facelift phase.

Although its understated exterior styling received mixed critiques, the R19 was widely commended for its cabin comfort and driving dynamics—features that stood out within its category.

From late 1990 onward, higher-spec fuel-injected models offered an optional four-speed automatic transmission, whereas lower-tier trims continued with manual gearboxes or a three-speed automatic.

Facelift

The Renault 19 underwent a facelift in mid-1992 that introduced revamped front and rear designs along with a redesigned dashboard interior; however, right-hand drive models retained the original Phase 1 dashboard layout. This update also brought smaller "Energy" series engines that gradually replaced the older pushrod units and introduced 1.8 litre engines at the top end of the range, supplanting the previous 1.7 (F3N) engines.

Sales of the R19 persisted throughout most European markets until 1996, with production continuing in Argentina until 2000 and Colombia until 2001. Manufacturing in Turkey also lasted until 2000. The platform and mechanical components of the R19 formed the foundation for the first-generation Renault Mégane, which remained in production for seven years.

The Renault 19 received several accolades: it was named Car of the Year in Spain and Germany in 1989, Ireland in 1990, and Argentina in 1993. In Japan, it was sold in limited quantities through Yanase Import Dealerships; there, the sedan was marketed as "Europa" to avoid confusion with the Daihatsu Charade. Taiwanese manufacturer San Fu Motors commenced local assembly in early 1990 with an intended monthly production target of 1,000 units.

Despite being a difficult market for French manufacturers, Germany saw strong sales of the R19; it became the best-selling imported car in West Germany during 1990 and maintained this position across reunified Germany from 1991 through to 1994, underscoring Renault’s robust market presence there.

16S

The Renault 19 16S (known as 16V in certain markets) was introduced toward the end of 1988 and became part of the range by autumn 1990 as the sole Renault 19 variant equipped with a 16-valve engine. It was characterized by a unique bonnet air intake (not present on the earliest versions), a rear spoiler, 15-inch Speedline SL401 alloy wheels, side skirts, dual headlamps, Recaro bucket seats available with optional leather upholstery, a four-in-one exhaust manifold, and Bendix ABS brakes complemented by optional features such as a trip computer, air conditioning, and an electric sunroof. The letter "S" represents Soupapes, the French term for valves.

Under the hood, it housed a high-revving F7P engine controlled by a sophisticated Renix ECU, delivering enhanced acceleration and fuel economy compared to rivals. The braking setup comprised ventilated front discs and rear discs, paired with upgraded suspension components and a front strut bar. Handling tests highlighted its agility on winding roads but pointed out challenges with high-speed stability and cabin noise, partly attributed to its low gear ratios.[1]

Phase 1 units featured distinctive front and rear bumpers with repositioned front indicators to make room for the twin headlamp design. Phase 2 models kept the original bumper shapes but incorporated color-matched upper sections, rubber inserts, and a subtle lower splitter. Across all body styles, the 16-valve engine was available at various times, though availability differed depending on the region.

To counterbalance the weight from additional safety equipment, Phase 2 versions received revised gear ratios. The last Executive models produced in 1995–1996 came equipped with standard leather interiors.

Renault advertised a 0–100 km/h acceleration time of 8.2 seconds for the non-catalytic Phase 1 engine. The catalytic variant produced , achieved a top speed of , and completed the sprint to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds.

Motorsport

In 1993, Renault Sport entered the Renault 19 in the British Touring Car Championship with drivers Alain Menu and Tim Harvey. The vehicle generally struggled to compete except under wet conditions and was succeeded by the Renault Laguna for the following season in 1994.

Engines

Model Engine Displacement Valvetrain Fuel system Max. power at rpm Max. torque at rpm Top speed Years
Petrol engines
1.2 C1G 1237 cc OHV 8v Carburettor 55 PS (40 kW; 54 hp) at 5000 rpm 90 N⋅m (66 lb⋅ft) at 3000 rpm 155 km/h (96 mph) 1988–1990
1.2e E7F 1171 cc SOHC 8v Single point fuel injection 58 PS (43 kW; 57 hp) at 6000 rpm 85 N⋅m (63 lb⋅ft) at 4000 rpm 155 km/h (96 mph) 1992–1995
1.4 C1J 1397 cc OHV 8v Carburettor 60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp) at 5250 rpm 101 N⋅m (74 lb⋅ft) at 2750 rpm 1988–1989
1.4 C3J 1390 cc OHV 8v Single point fuel injection 58 PS (43 kW; 57 hp) at 4750 rpm 100 N⋅m (74 lb⋅ft) at 3000 rpm 161 km/h (100 mph) 1989–1995
1.4 E6J 1390 cc SOHC 8v Carburettor 80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) at 5750 rpm 108 N⋅m (80 lb⋅ft) at 2750 rpm 176 km/h (109 mph) 1988–1992
1.4 E7J 1390 cc SOHC 8v Single point fuel injection 79 PS (58 kW; 78 hp) at 6000 rpm 107 N⋅m (79 lb⋅ft) at 3500 rpm 173 km/h (107 mph) 1992–1995
1.61 C2L / (C3L) 1565 cc OHV 8v Carburettor / Single point fuel injection 75–78 PS 90–133 Nm — 1992–2000
Model Engine Displacement Valvetrain Fuel system Max. power at rpm Max. torque at rpm Top speed Years 
Only for South America

Manufacturing facilities

External links

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named TV0591.11
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