Renault 7
| Renault 7 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Renault |
| Also called | Renault Siete |
| Production | 1974–1984 |
| Assembly | Spain: Valladolid (FASA-Renault) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Supermini |
| Body style | 4-door saloon |
| Layout | MF layout |
| Related | Renault 5 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.0 L (1037 cc) I4 1.1 L (1108 cc) I4 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,505 mm (98.6 in) (right) 2,535 mm (99.8 in) (left) |
| Length | 3,890 mm (153.1 in) |
| Width | 1,525 mm (60.0 in) |
| Height | 1,400 mm (55.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 815 kg (1,797 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | None |
| Successor | Renault Clio/ Renault 9 |
The Renault Siete (from 1979: "Renault 7")[1] is a 4-door saloon version of the Renault 5 supermini, produced and sold in Spain by Renault's subsidiary, FASA-Renault in Valladolid, from 1974 to 1984.[2]
It was very similar to the Renault 5 hatchback (which had been launched two years earlier), and identical mechanically, but offered with a smaller range of engines. The Siete had four doors and a saloon-style boot in place of the original car's three (and later five) doors including hatchback. This involved extending the wheelbase by just under 6 cm (2.4 in)[3] though it retained the wheelbase difference between left and right sides, characteristic of several Renault models, resulting from the use of full-width torsion bars placed one behind the other, ahead of the rear wheels. The Siete's boot volume was 400 dm3 (14 cu ft),[1] the Renault 5 had a 270 dm3 (9.5 cu ft) trunk.
Another difference between the Renault Siete and the 5 was the use, on the 7, of 'conventional' chromed metal bumpers instead of off-body colour plastic ones,[4] giving the car a more refined appearance. The dashboard and other interior details were of a different design than in the French hatchback equivalent.[1] Initially powered by a 1037 cc engine (an enlarged version of the 956 cc Renault 5 engine) producing 50 PS (37 kW; 49 hp), it was mostly sold in Spain.
Over the years the Siete had small annual updates. In 1979, it was more extensively restyled and amongst others received a new interior and rear lights. On that occasion the name changed to Renault 7 (Siete is Spanish for 7). An engine upgrade to 1108 cc followed in 1980. Claimed maximum power did drop to 45 PS (33 kW; 44 hp), but torque went up from 7.4 kg⋅m (73 N⋅m) at 3000 rpm to 8.0 kg⋅m (78 N⋅m) at 2000 rpm. A five-door version of the Renault 5 was launched in 1980 using the door pattern of the Spanish Renault 7.
Production ended in 1984, after the Renault 9 & 11 had entered the worldwide market and the Renault 5 had been substantially redesigned as the Supercinq (now based on the Renault 9/11 floorpan). The Renault 7's success outside its home market was limited because Renault offered the larger Renault 12 for a small price premium, and its mainly Spanish sales did not justify the investment necessary to develop a new saloon version based on the Supercinq. A total 159,533 units were produced.
Renault 7
Renault 7 rear
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 Cerdán, Cecilio; Gutiérrez, Antonio (11 November 2017). "La historia del Renault Siete/7" [The history of Renault Seven/7]. Espíritu Racer (in Spanish). Retrieved 26 July 2026.
- ↑ Data according to: Automobil Revue, catalogue edition 1979, p. 484-85.
- ↑ "A new force emerging: Barcelona show". Autocar. 144 (4147): 25–26. 1 May 1976.
- ↑ Carlsson, Mårten. "Femma med skuff". Klassiker. Retrieved 20 August 2019.
External links
[edit]
- Renault Siete7 Club (in Spanish)
- Renault 7 site (in French)
- Club Renault 4 5 6 y 7 de España
