Renault 7
Encyclopedia
The Renault 7 is a 4-door saloon version of the Renault 5
supermini
, produced and sold in Spain
by Renault
's subsidiary, FASA-Renault
from 1974 to 1984.
It was very similar to the R5 hatchback (which had been launched two years earlier), and identical mechanically, but offered with a smaller range of engines. The R7 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 (2¼ inches) 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.
Another difference between the Renault 7 and the 5 was the use, on the 7, of 'conventional' chromed metal bumpers instead of off-body colour plastic ones, giving the car a more refined appearance. Initially powered by a 1037 cc engine, it was mostly sold in Spain. About 140,000 units were produced: its success outside its home market was limited because Renault offered the larger Renault 12
for a small price premium.
The R7 was introduced two years after the launch of the R5, then restyled in 1979, followed by an engine upgrade to 1108 cc in 1980. Its production ended in 1982, when the brand-new R9 entered the worldwide market. What's more, a five-door version of the R5 was launched in 1980 using the door pattern of the Spanish R7. The R5 had been substantially restyled and R7 sales did not justify the investment necessary to renew the tooling for the R7.
Renault 5
The Renault 5 was first unveiled on 10 December 1971, being launched at the beginning of 1972.The Renault 5 was styled by Michel Boué, who died before the car's release, the R5 featured a steeply sloping rear hatchback and front dashboard...
supermini
Supermini car
A supermini is a British term that describes automobiles larger than a city car but smaller than a small family car. This car class is also known as the B-segment across Europe, and as subcompact in North America....
, produced and sold in Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
by Renault
Renault
Renault S.A. is a French automaker producing cars, vans, and in the past, autorail vehicles, trucks, tractors, vans and also buses/coaches. Its alliance with Nissan makes it the world's third largest automaker...
's subsidiary, FASA-Renault
FASA-Renault
FASA-Renault was a Spanish automobile manufacturer which produced Renault and Renault-based vehicles from 1951 to 2000.The company was established in 1951 in Valladolid as FASA by Spanish interests, a license having been obtained to allow local production of Renault vehicles...
from 1974 to 1984.
It was very similar to the R5 hatchback (which had been launched two years earlier), and identical mechanically, but offered with a smaller range of engines. The R7 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 (2¼ inches) 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.
Another difference between the Renault 7 and the 5 was the use, on the 7, of 'conventional' chromed metal bumpers instead of off-body colour plastic ones, giving the car a more refined appearance. Initially powered by a 1037 cc engine, it was mostly sold in Spain. About 140,000 units were produced: its success outside its home market was limited because Renault offered the larger Renault 12
Renault 12
The Renault 12 is a family car produced by French automaker Renault between 1969 and 1980. Available as a saloon and estate , it was also produced under licence in many countries across the globe into the early 21st century....
for a small price premium.
The R7 was introduced two years after the launch of the R5, then restyled in 1979, followed by an engine upgrade to 1108 cc in 1980. Its production ended in 1982, when the brand-new R9 entered the worldwide market. What's more, a five-door version of the R5 was launched in 1980 using the door pattern of the Spanish R7. The R5 had been substantially restyled and R7 sales did not justify the investment necessary to renew the tooling for the R7.
External links
- Renault Siete7 Club (in Spanish)
- Renault 7 site (in French)