Renault Fuego Turbo
The Renault Fuego was a four-seater, three-door hatchback heavily based on the Renault 18, sharing its floorpan, drivetrain, dashboard, and other items. It was released in 1980 as a replacement to the Renault 15 and 17 coupés of the 1970s, and was the first car to feature remote central locking. Its design marked a radical shift from its predecessors, as it featured a rounded look instead of a wedge-shaped one.
Model variants ran as follows: TL, TS, GTS, TX, GTX, along with the added Fuego Turbo in 1983 following a midlife facelift. Though the car was reliable and ran on some of Renault's best engines of that time, it had a negative reputation - further perpetuated by the introduction of the turbodiesel variant. However, it appeared in two James Bond films; A View to a Kill and Goldeneye.
When Renault attempted to market the Fuego in the UK, it was intended to replace the Opel Manta and Ford Capri. But due to French brands' difficulty in selling a large amount of family cars in the early 1980s, it was unsuccessful.
Timeline
- February 1980: Introduction of the Fuego 3-door coupé. Available in the following models:
- Fuego TL - entry-level model (1397cc, 64bhp engine, manual choke, & 4-speed gearbox), 155 SR 13' tyres, heated rear window, rear fog light, split/fold rear seat, cloth upholstery...
- Fuego GTL - Middle of the range model, as TL plus 175/70 13' tyres, electric front windows, rev counter, height-adjustable steering wheel, front head restraints, analogical clock, central wheel covers, remote-adjustable drivers door mirror, laminated windscreen, opening rear quarter lights, H4 headlights, pre-installed radio kit, velour upholstery...
- Fuego GTS - Top of the range model (1647cc, 96bhp, engine, automatic choke, & 5-speed gearbox), as GTL, plus oil level gauge, power-assisted steering, optional 3-speed automatic transmission...
- 1981: Fuel reserve warning light standard on all models. GTS obtained modified gearbox.
- 1981: Introduction of the Fuego TX and GTX with 1995cc, 110bhp engine & 5-speed gearbox). TX as GTS. GTX as GTS and TX, plus rear wash/wipe, front fog lights, headlamp wash/wipe, 14-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel rim, gearlever gaiter, handbrake lever gaiter, digital clock, passenger side door mirror, bronze tinted windows, luggage cover...
- 1982: GTL obtained 5-speed gearbox. GTS got electronic ignition. GTS, TX and GTX got remote central locking. Optional 3-speed automatic transmission now available on TX and GTX.
- 1983: GTL got economy tune 73bhp 1647cc engine, 5-speed gearbox.
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