Renault 14. Fifty years of a special place in the brand's history

When Renault presented the Renault 14 to the international press in 1976, the stakes were high. The compact hatchback had to establish a new position within the model range: above the playful Renault 5 and below the spacious Renault 16. With this, Renault aimed for the heart of the European market. The Renault 14 was intended as a response to the prevailing competition and was designed to compete directly with heavyweights like the Volkswagen Golf, Opel Kadett, and Ford Escort.

Place in the range

Shortly after the launch of the R6, Renault decided to work on a new, higher-positioned model. The project was intended to result in a modern, front-wheel-drive hatchback with a clear emphasis on comfort. The design was striking, with a relatively high roofline and generous glass surfaces. The new R14 was one of the first cars designed using CAD technology and had a distinctly sleek, timeless look. The absence of roof gutters was striking. The spaciousness was remarkable. Compared to the R16, the new hatchback offered virtually the same amount of interior space. Another notable detail was the exterior mirror being mounted in the lower front corner of the door window, rather than outside.

Technology and collaboration

Renault used the so-called X-engine for the drive. This engine was a co-production between Peugeot and Renault. In 1972, the power source debuted in the Peugeot 104, and in the R14 it made its appearance as a 1218 cc variant. The engine was mounted at an angle to the rear to make optimal use of the available space. And not only that: the R14 also became the first car in which the engine was mounted transversely. Other features also revealed the transverse connection with Peugeot. The engine and the gearbox (incidentally not built in the same factory) shared the same The chassis was comfortably tuned, with long spring travel and a clear preference for ride comfort over sharp steering. This made the Renault 14 particularly good on longer distances. The collaboration with Peugeot was (partly) visible here as well. The front of the chassis was 104 recipes constructed. Its rear end, incidentally, bore strong technical similarities to that of the R5.

Performances and offers

The Renault 14 debuted in 1976, effectively slotting between the R5, R12, and R16. It was available in several trim levels, which were slightly modified over the years. Initially, the car was available in the L and TL trim levels. The former was very austere and was discontinued fairly quickly. The TL, however, was a hit and featured a more luxurious interior, wheel trims, and window frames in a distinctive color. Both cars were equipped with the 1218 cc engine. This engine was also available in the luxurious GTL version (center console with clock, carpeting, and better seats), and in the TS. In the latter version, the engine's power output increased due to, among other things, the use of a different carburetor: 69 hp compared to the 57 hp in the other versions. The GTL arrived in 1978, and the TS followed shortly thereafter.

TS and Safrane

The sporty TS also offered very attractive standard equipment, including a rev counter, central locking, halogen headlights, power windows, and seats with head and lumbar supports. Depending on the market, there were also temporary promotional models tailored to local preferences. With this, Renault attempted to maintain the 14's appeal in an increasingly crowded segment. A well-known temporary version was the R14 Safrane, which was less luxurious than the TS, but was equipped with a standard metallic colour, alloy wheels and velour upholstery.

The facelift for the eighties

For the 1980 model year, the Renault 14 underwent a facelift. The front was redesigned with a new grille, revised headlight surrounds, and different taillights. The interior was also updated, with a more modern dashboard, improved ventilation, and more comfortable seats. Renault also implemented better anti-corrosion measures. These innovations gave the Renault 14 a more mature appearance, without compromising the original design principles. The R14 TS was the first to receive the 1360 cc engine (still based on the Peugeot-Renault formula), which produced 70 hp and higher torque. Renault also fitted this configuration with a five-speed gearbox. In 1982, the engine also found its way into the GTL, and in this version, the power output increased to 60 hp. The maximum torque of 105 Nm was available at just 2500 rpm.

Closure and meaning

Production of the Renault 14 ended in December 1982, after a total production run of approximately one million units. Renault opted for a two-pronged approach within this class, with the Renault 9 as a sedan (1982) and the Renault 11 as a hatchback (1983). The R14 marked Renault's entry into the modern C-segment and formed the basis for later, more successful designs. It has always been clear that both the bodywork design and the technical configuration gave this Renault its own place in the French manufacturer's history. Image-wise, all that glittered wasn't always gold, partly due to the advertising campaign, which early on labeled the R14 as a peer. However, this didn't hinder its reasonable success. Today, the Renault 14 is a rare sight, yet cherished by a specific group. And rightly so, because the car evokes not only memories but also sympathy.