Renault Fuego Turbo: A Proper “Hot” Hatch

31 January 2024 Redazione Budget Cars

Today, 40 years later, the Fuego Turbo is still capable of entertaining and exciting at the wheel, thanks to its compact dimensions, reduced weight and the liveliness offered by its 1.6 turbo which distinguished it at the time and makes it an old glory even today when the world of sports cars has become so severe. And then have you seen those typically 80s lines, so ready to underline what would soon become the benchmark of an increasingly expanding segment? Well, now put a nice turbocharged engine under the boonet and try to keep your boiling spirits under control.

The Renault Fuego was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1980, replacing the Renault 15 and 17. Sometimes compared to a French-style Porsche, the Turbodiesel version of the Renault Fuego still reached 200 kph, making it the fastest diesel-engined production car in the world when it came out in 1983, outpacing its German rivals. Not bad right?

It is a four-seater coupe; to be clear, it has a sporty shape, but you can sit in the back. For a real impression of space, the car could be equipped with an electrically opening canvas roof as an option. In the Turbo version, the Renault Fuego is powered by a turbocharged engine which allows it to ground 132 hp. As a bonus, the Fuego Turbo offered seriously nice options like electronic locking, electric front windows and even a leather interior with a lozenge on the front seats.

The Renault Fuego Turbo has been sold in the United States since 1982, before landing in France in 1983. While the ’80s were definitely a fun time (we’re hooked on nostalgia), it was also the start of an economic recession. Renault therefore decided to reuse the platform and various mechanical parts of the Renault 18, produced in those same years. The brand was already riding the wave of reuse and optimization of supplies ahead of its time, incidentally obtaining significant savings.

The Fuego Turbo is distinguished from other versions of the model by its exclusive alloy wheels, air conditioning (at the time a clear sign of wealth) and the “Turbo” stickers on the profile of the car. You know, only this gave an extra power boost. Furthermore – getting serious again – in 1982, the Renault Fuego was the first car in the world equipped with a centralized keyless remote control system. This system, known as the PLIP remote control, was later installed on other Renault models and soon convinced the automotive world.

Words and Photos by Renault Group