Renault Fuego
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Renault 15/17 |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Defunct | 1992 |
| Fate | Production ended |
| Successor | None |
Area served | Europe, United States, South America, Australia, New Zealand |
| Products | Sport hatchback cars |
The Renault Fuego (meaning Fire in Spanish) is a sport hatchback manufactured by Renault between 1980 and 1986 in Europe, serving as the successor to the Renault 15/17. Distributed in the United States through American Motors Corporation (AMC), it was also assembled throughout South America until 1992. Renault reported a total output of 265,367 units, with approximately 85% produced in France from February 1980 through October 1985. Production in Spain for European markets continued until 1986.
Design
Conceived by Michel Jardin with interior design by Francois Lampreia under the supervision of Robert Opron, the Fuego was recognized for blending aerodynamic styling with ample interior space, earning praise from automotive expert L. J. K. Setright for both its aesthetic appeal and practicality.
The vehicle was primarily based on the Renault 18 platform, sharing its floorpan and drivetrain components, yet it incorporated front suspension technology derived from the Renault 20/30 range. Featuring a double-wishbone setup with a negative scrub radius, this innovative suspension arrangement was later implemented in updated versions of Renault models such as the R18 and R25. Power steering was available on higher-spec variants. The Fuego’s dashboard design was subsequently integrated into the facelifted R18 models starting in 1984.
While European manufacturing ceased in France by 1985 and Spain by 1986, production persisted in Argentina until 1992. The final Argentinean "GTA Max" edition was equipped with a 2.2 L engine and achieved a local parts content of 63%.
Extensive wind tunnel testing contributed to the Fuego’s streamlined coupé profile while optimizing rear passenger comfort, resulting in a drag coefficient ranging from 0.32 to 0.35. In October 1982, its turbocharged diesel variant set a world record for the fastest diesel-powered car.
The Fuego was among the first vehicles to introduce remote keyless entry with central locking starting in September 1982, utilizing Paul Lipschutz’s "PLIP" remote system marketed across Europe. Additionally, from September 1983 onwards, certain European left-hand drive GTX and Turbo models featured remote audio controls mounted on the steering wheel—a feature later adopted widely on the Renault 25.
Available optional equipment included leather seats, multi-function trip computers, cruise control, air conditioning (either factory-fitted or dealer-installed), and a full-length electric Webasto fabric sunroof.
A convertible version outfitted with leather interiors was developed by French coachbuilder Heuliez in 1982 aimed at the U.S. market; however, it did not enter mass production due to weak sales in America—the R11/Alliance convertible was offered instead. Only three U.S.-specification units were produced featuring sealed beam headlights and larger bumpers.
Europe
From 1980 to 1982, the Fuego ranked as Europe’s top-selling coupé. Its lineup included the 1.4 L TL, the economical 1.6 L GTL (available only in left-hand drive), as well as the sportier 1.6 L TS and GTS trims, plus the more powerful 2.0 L TX and GTX variants offered with manual or automatic gearboxes. The TX served as a more basic GTX model lacking features such as alloy wheels, electric windows, central locking, air conditioning, fog lamps, and headlight wipers depending on regional specifications. A manual-only 2.1 L turbo-diesel engine was produced for left-hand drive European markets between 1982 and 1985; this version could be identified by its bonnet bulge, additional front bumper vents, and "Turbo D" badging.
In 1983, Renault launched the Fuego Turbo equipped with a 1.6 L (1565cc) manual transmission alongside a facelift that introduced an updated grille, plastic bumper trims, revised dashboards for left-hand drive models, new wheel designs, and refreshed interior fabrics—either sepia or ash-colored striped velour seats depending on model and exterior paint. The facelifted GTX variant featured a 2.2 L EFI engine sourced from the Renault 25 in selected left-hand drive markets where the Turbo model was not available.
United States
Between 1982 and 1985, the Fuego was marketed in the United States through dealerships affiliated with American Motors Corporation (AMC). Initially, buyers could choose between a fuel-injected 1.6 L turbocharged engine (1565cc) or a naturally aspirated 1.6 L unit (1647cc). Subsequently, a 2.2 L engine option was introduced, available with either manual or automatic transmissions alongside the turbocharged variant. This four-seat hatchback coupe delivered an estimated highway fuel efficiency of around 39 mpg and was launched at a starting price of $8,495. Critics commended its design and standard equipment such as an electric sunroof, while noting its performance of approximately 107 hp; however, braking performance and understeer were considered below par.
Although the Fuego received favorable reviews, it did not substantially enhance Renault’s market share in the U.S. By 1984, AMC dealers were incentivized with rebates ranging from $300 to $1,000 per unit to encourage sales.
United Kingdom
In the UK marketplace, Renault positioned the Fuego against rivals including the Opel Manta and Ford Capri, achieving the status of best-selling coupé in both 1981 and 1982. The trim lineup initially featured TL, GTS, and GTX models during 1980–81. By 1983–84, the range expanded to include TX and Turbo variants before contracting to just GTS and Turbo trims as sales waned through 1986.
Australia
From 1982 until 1987, the primary Australian offering was the 2 L GTX manual model, equipped with factory-installed air conditioning, TRX alloy wheels, and a remote-controlled passenger side mirror. A limited quantity of basic TX models was also sold. Australian versions were adapted to meet local safety and emission regulations, including side intrusion beams.
New Zealand
Starting in late 1981, New Zealand imported UK-specification GTS and GTX manual models, later broadening the selection to incorporate automatic transmissions and Turbo variants up to 1986. Towards the end of production, Australian-spec GTX vehicles were also introduced into this market.
Timeline
- February 1980 – The Fuego three-door coupé debuted with TL (1397 cc), GTL (economy-oriented 1647 cc), and GTS (1647 cc) trims. Transmission options included four- or five-speed manuals and a three-speed automatic on GTS models. Equipment levels ranged from basic features on the TL to enhancements such as electric windows, tachometer, power steering on GTS trims, plus optional alloy wheels.
- 1981 – TX and GTX variants launched featuring a 1995 cc engine paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. The GTX trim added premium touches including alloy wheels, leather-wrapped controls, digital clock, front fog lamps, and an optional passenger mirror. Automatic transmissions became available for both 1.6 L and 2 L engines.
- 1982 – The GTL model received a five-speed gearbox upgrade; automatic transmission availability shifted exclusively to the more powerful 2 L engine. Electronic ignition was introduced on GTS trims; select models gained remote central locking. A 2.1 L turbo diesel engine was introduced in certain European markets. In the U.S., fuel-injected turbocharged 1.6 L versions were offered through Renault/AMC dealerships.
- 1983 – The GTL trim added an economy-tuned engine variant with a five-speed transmission; electronic ignition became standard across all models. Aerodynamic improvements included spoilers and streamlined hubcaps.
- 1984 – A facelifted version arrived featuring revised grille, bumpers, wheel designs, interior upholstery updates, and a redesigned dashboard for left-hand drive markets. The Turbo model joined the European lineup. Limited EFI turbocharged units were produced to comply with Swiss emissions standards. Some markets saw GTX models equipped with a 2.2 L EFI engine; U.S. offerings included either a 1.6 L turbo or a 2.2 L engine paired with manual or automatic gearboxes.
- 1985 – French manufacturing ended concurrent with the introduction of the Renault 21.
- 1986 – Production ceased in Spain as assembly shifted to Argentina and Venezuela.
- 1987 – Manufacturing continued in Argentina utilizing a single 2165 cc engine producing , as well as ongoing production in Venezuela.
- 1990 – The final phase III GTA model was released featuring updated bumpers, white front indicators, charcoal rear lights; Argentina saw the launch of the GTA Max variant powered by a Berta Motorsport-tuned 2.2 L engine delivering .
- 1992 – South American production concluded.
No direct successor replaced the Fuego within Renault’s lineup. Plans for a Fuego II model styled similarly to the Alpine GTA were abandoned due to Renault’s financial difficulties and declining demand for sporty coupés during that period.
The clubs
Devoted Renault Fuego fans have formed several clubs across various nations to coordinate gatherings and engage in vintage automobile exhibitions:
- France: Club Fuego France
- Germany: Club Fuego Freunde
- Spain: Renault Fuego Club
- Argentina: Club Renault Fuego Argentina