Renault 5 became the best-selling car in France from 1972 to 1986, with a total production exceeding 5.
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11 Facts About Renault 5
2.
Images and details of the Renault 5 were published on 10 December 1971, the car's formal launch following on 28 January 1972.
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3.
Renault 5 was styled by Michel Boue, who designed the car in his spare time, outside of his normal duties.
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4.
When Renault 5 executives learned of Boue's work, they were so impressed by his concept they immediately authorized a formal development program.
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5.
R5 borrowed mechanicals from the similarly popular Renault 5 4, using a longitudinally-mounted engine driving the front wheels with torsion bar suspension.
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6.
Renault 5 Alpine was one of the first hot-hatches, launched in 1976 - going on sale two months before the original Volkswagen Golf GTI and two years after the Simca 1100Ti.
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7.
Sales continued until 1984 when the second generation Renault 5 was launched, and the release of the Renault 5 GT Turbo in 1985.
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8.
The Renault 5 Turbo was made in many guises, eventually culminating with the Renault 5 Maxi Turbo.
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9.
Renault 5 advertised Le Car's versatility in a full-page ad featuring its use by the department.
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10.
Original Renault 5 continued to be produced in Iran by SAIPA, then by Pars Khodro, as the Sepand.
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11.
In 2001 the Renault PK went on sale: for this version the Sepand's Renault 5 platform was replaced with that of a Kia Pride, while a modified version of the Renault 5's bodywork was kept.
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