TOP 5 RENAULTS

We selected three Renaults to drive, but here are five other iconic models from the brand’s back catalogue 1898 Renault Voiturette Type A

NO list could be complete without Renault’s first ever car. It was built in the Renault family’s home and put the firm on the map after Louis Renault drove one up the Rue Lepic in Paris on 24 December 1878. This may have been a publicity stunt, but it was one that worked because by 1899 Renault had built 70 cars by hand.

1965 Renault 16 (R16)

THE 16 used the Renault 4’s front-engined, front-wheeldrive and hatchback body formula in a larger package. In so doing it became one of the fathers of the modern family car, and with typically French styling and suspension, it was one of the best-loved models of the period.

1984 Renault Espace

DESIGNED by Matra, the Espace was the first modern day MPV. At first buyers didn’t like it: the story goes that Renault sold just nine in the first month. But its practical, spacious character eventually appealed. The Espace still exists as a stylish MPV-CUM-SUV, but it’s not on sale in the UK.

1993 Renault Twingo

THE cute Twingo arrived in 1993 and slotted beneath the Clio in the range. It was hugely spacious, stylish and had a dependable engine from the 5. Sadly it never crossed the Channel, and while later Twingos have, they’re nowhere near as characterful, funky or clever.

1997 Renault Mégane Scenic

HATE small MPVS? Blame the Mégane Scenic. It was the forefather of the genre and mixed hatchback running gear and pricing with more space and versatility. It really was a game-changer in 1997. While people choose SUVS instead of MPVS these days, the Scenic is still loved.