1986 RENAULT 9 1.6L d 5MT FWD (55 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Elected as the European Car of the Year in 1982, the Renault 9 was sold in over one million units over its nine-year lifespan. In 1986 it received a well-deserved facelift.

Back in the ’80s, the cubist style was the king in the design departments. Apart from some Italian vehicles, most of them were designed with straight, sharp lines, such as the Volvo, Volkswagen Golf/Jetta/Passat, Audi 80/100, and Renault. The latter offered the 9 model as the sedan version for the 11 hatchback. It was a light, fuel-efficient family car that could carry four passengers and some luggage.

The 1986 version was slightly updated from the design point of view. At the front, it sported more sweeping headlights inspired by its bigger brother, the 25. There was a very slim grille between the hood and the wrapped-around plastic bumper. Depending on the trim level, it was either black or body-colored. The Turbo version featured magnesium wheels and a unique aerodynamic package.

Inside, the little French car featured slim seats at the front with minimal side bolstering. Apart from the 115 hp Turbo version, it wasn’t a sporty vehicle. Its square design was kept for the instrument cluster, but there was a new, two-spoke steering wheel.

Under the hood, Renault revised the engine lineup. It was still offered with an old, 1.3-liter 54 hp engine for the base model. A 1.6-liter diesel engine was available for those who needed a very fuel-efficient vehicle. Renault tried to sell the car in North America under the name Renault Alliance, but it failed and bailed out in 1987.