Renault 19

The Renault 19 is a small family car produced by French automaker Renault between 1988 and 2000.

Overview

The 19 was the replacement for the 9 and 11, both of which were ageing and outdated by the late 1980s. The 19 was styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro, featuring Renault's new E-type (or "Energy") 1.4-litre engine and F-type 1.7 and 1.8-litre versions. Base models used the OHV C-type "Cléon" 1.2 and 1.4-litre engines.

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. However, 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.

In the summer of 1992, a revamped model was introduced with a substantially restyled front and rear, while left hand drive market versions received a new dashboard and interior - right hand drive models retained the original design.