Renault 19 - Overview

Overview

The R19 was presented in June 1988, with sales in the domestic French market beginning in September 1988. It was the replacement for the 9 and 11, both of which were ageing and outdated by the late 1980s. The R19 was styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro, featuring Renault's new E-type (or "Energy") 1.4 L engine and F-type 1.7 L versions. Base models originally used the OHV C-type Cléon 1.2 and 1.4 L engines, depending on the market. While originally only available with an atmospheric diesel engine, a turbocharged version appeared in early 1992.

Intended to be Renault's last numeric-named car, the 19 ushered in a new naming policy, with the saloon versions of the 19 being known as the 19 Chamade to distinguish them from the hatchbacks. The sedan first appeared for the 1990 model year. The Chamade badge was dropped following the 1992 facelift. In 1991 a convertible bodystyle built by Karmann was introduced.

Although the R19's exterior design (which was relatively conservative, like that of the Renault 9/11) received a muted response, it was praised for its interior comfort and handling.

For the fuel injected top versions a four-speed automatic transmission became available in the fall of 1990. Lesser versions still made do with four or five-speed manuals or a three-speed automatic.

A convertible version appeared in early 1992, only available with the two most powerful engine options.

In the summer of 1992, a revamped model was introduced with a substantially restyled front and rear, while LHD market versions received a new dashboard and interior — RHD models retained the original design. With the facelift, smaller "Energy"-series units gradually replaced the old pushrod items, and 1.8 litre engines appeared at the top of the lineup where they replaced the more powerful 1.7 units (the F3N).

The R19 was sold in Europe until 1996, and was produced for South American markets in Argentina until 2000. The R19's platform and running gear would continue to be used in its replacement, the first generation Renault Mégane.

The Renault 19 was awarded the 1989 Car of the Year in Spain and Germany, 1990 Car of the Year in Ireland, and 1993 Car of the Year in Argentina.