Renault Express
| Company type | Vehicle model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Renault 4 Fourgonette |
| Founded | July 1985 |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Compact panel van |
The Renault Express is a compact panel van introduced by the French automaker Renault in July 1985, serving as the successor to the R4 Fourgonette. Its design was derived from the second-generation Renault 5 and it was marketed under different names depending on the region: Renault Extra in the UK and Ireland, Renault Rapid in German-speaking areas, and Renault Express across France, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Japan, and Taiwan. Manufacturing persisted until April 2001 in Uruguay, targeting the South American market through Nordex S.A.
Structure
Built upon the Renault 5 platform, the Express featured a wheelbase extended by 15 cm, a raised roof above the driver's compartment, and a squared-off cargo section positioned behind the B-pillar. Available configurations included either fully or partially glazed panel vans accommodating up to two occupants or glazed combi models seating five passengers. Rear entry was facilitated by double doors—with an optional "giraffe hatch" for transporting lengthy items—or a large tailgate that lifted upwards. The range also encompassed pickup variants, factory-equipped wheelchair-accessible vans, refrigerated units, and service workshop vehicles.
Its suspension system consisted of independently sprung wheels: front MacPherson struts paired with wishbones and rear trailing arms supported by torsion bars. This contrasted with competitors like the Volkswagen Caddy or Opel Combo that employed rear dead axles combined with leaf springs. Interestingly, Ford incorporated the Renault Express’s rear suspension setup in its 1990s Fiesta Courier model.
Model series
Throughout its production lifespan, the vehicle underwent two significant facelifts.
The initial version (Phase 1) was manufactured from mid-1985 until mid-1991. During this period, Renault introduced a panel van variant powered by a 1595cc diesel engine delivering 40 kW (54 hp), while petrol engines were inherited from the Renault 5 lineup.
In mid-1991, Phase 2 was unveiled featuring updated powertrains partly sourced from the Renault Clio, including a new 1870cc diesel engine producing 47 kW (64 hp). Visual enhancements included a contemporary grey plastic grille and redesigned headlights.
Phase 3 production spanned from early 1994 until it was succeeded by the Kangoo in late 1997. This iteration saw improvements such as upgraded interior materials, a body-colored radiator grille, modified rear light clusters, and an optional driver’s airbag. Enhancements also extended to safety and convenience features like central locking with remote control functionality. The previous 1598cc diesel engine was phased out in favor of an updated 1870cc unit. Overall production ceased in July 2000.
Engine
| Model | Type | cylinder capacity cm³ |
Max. power | Torque | 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sec. |
Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | ||||||
| 1.0 | C1C | 956 | 31 kW (42 hp) at 4400 rpm | 63 N⋅m (46 lbf⋅ft) at 2500 rpm | 1986−1991 | |
| 1.1 | C1E | 1108 | 33 kW (44 hp) at 4400 rpm | 85 N⋅m (63 lbf⋅ft) at 2000 rpm | 20.1 | 1986−1991 |
| 1.2 | E5F | 1171 | 40 kW (54 hp) at 6000 rpm | 84 N⋅m (62 lbf⋅ft) at 3500 rpm | 16.5 | 1991−1997 |
| 1.2 | C3G | 1239 | 40 kW (54 hp) at 5300 rpm | 90 N⋅m (66 lbf⋅ft) at4800 rpm | 16.5 | 1995−1997 |
| 1.4 | C2J | 1397 | 50 kW (67 hp) at5250 rpm | 104 N⋅m (77 lbf⋅ft) at3500 rpm | 14.5 | 1986−1992 |
| 1.4 | C3J | 1390 | 44 kW (59 hp) at5250 rpm | 101 N⋅m (74 lbf⋅ft) at2750 rpm | 1986−1992 | |
| 1.4 | E7J | 1390 | 55 kW (74 hp) at5600 rpm | 109 N⋅m (80 lbf⋅ft) at4000 rpm | 1991−1997 | |
| 1.5 | C3L | 1565 | 43 kW (58 hp) at5000 rpm | 100 N⋅m (74 lbf⋅ft) at3500 rpm | 14.5 | 1996−2000 |
| Diesel | ||||||