Renault 5/SAIPA 5 (Projet 122). 1972–94 (prod. 5,325,900 approx., 4,500,000 approx. France only). 3- and 5-door saloon. F/F, 782, 845, 956, 1108, 1289, 1397 cm³ (I4 OHV). Renault’s 3·53 m-long supermini, exterior designed by Michel Boué, who died before the car was released. Very successful, modern design, so much so that its successor did not stray too far from its formula. Five per cent of French market in its first year, 11 per cent by 1974 with the fuel crisis. Sold in USA as Renault Le Car. Four-door, called Renault 7, from 1974; five-door from 1980. Alpine models with 1·4 had notable performance. French production ceased 1984. Built in Iran by SAIPA from 1980 to 1994 to replace local version of Citroën Dyane, after which the production line was sold to Pars Khodro for its Sepand model. Spawned a Turbo model (covered separately) which found success in rallying.

Manufacturing locations: Billancourt, France; Valladolid, Spain; Mariara, Venezuela; Ťehrân, Iran

Marque: Renault | Model: Renault 5 | Predecessors: Renault 4, Citroën Dyane | Successors: Renault 5 (140), Pars Khodro Sepand (1994–2000)

q.v. Renault 5 Turbo