1983 Renault 11 5-door 1.4L Turbo 5MT FWD (105 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The French automaker understood the importance of hatchbacks on the European market and introduced the 11 range in 1983 with a three or five-door bodywork based on the same underpinnings as the Renault 9.

Renault introduced its first hatchback back in the early 60s when it unveiled the 4. Later, it made the 16 and the 5. But then, the Germans took the segment’s lead with the Golf. But in 1983, the 11 brought back into the game the French brand. While this model was based on the same platform as the 9 (known as the Alliance in the U.S.), it featured a different styling from the B-post behind. Moreover, it was available with a three-door bodywork as well.

Wedged shapes for cars dominated the early 80s. So the 11 came with a squared-looking front fascia fitted with quad rectangular headlights. Its plastic bumpers were body-colored and, depending on the version, came with or without a rubber strip. Also, the base models came with black, unpainted bumpers. These were highly appreciated by those living in crowded cities where no bumper was spared from scratches.

Inside, the 11’s styling sported angular lines and wedged shapes. The dashboard featured a visor above the instrument cluster. As an option, the TXE version offered an electronic display, which was the first French car with such a treat. Depending on the version, the 11 featured bucket seats or bolstered ones for the front passengers. At the back, three occupants could fill the flat-folding bench.

Under the hood, the 11 came with many engine versions, either gasoline or diesel. But Renault also had an ace up its sleeves with the R11 Turbo, which was powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that produced over 100 ponies. In such a light car, that was a blast to drive. A true hot-hatch of its era.