Renault 18 (1978 - 1987)

The Renault was launched in April 1978, and was initially offered in 1397cc and 1647cc forms. Trim levels were limited to TL and GTL (1.4) and TS and GTS (1.6).

In July 1980, the 18 Diesel model was added. This model was mechanically similar to the Renault 20 Diesel, and was equipped with a 2068cc engine rated at 65bhp. It featured new negative offset front suspension, and larger four-stud wheels were added - these would be standardized across the range. Models were the TD and GTD. TD meant a four-speed gearbox and similar equipment to the (spartan) TS, while the GTD received a five-speed gearbox. Power-assisted steering was optional on the GTD, a first for the Renault 18.

The 18 Turbo was powered by a 1565cc engine that delivered 108bhp. It had a five-speed gearbox, alloy wheels, rear spoiler, and the dashboard and interior fittings from the Fuego.

Powered by a 87bhp version of the 2.1 litre inline-four fitted to the TD/GTD, although not available in the UK.

First facelift saw the Turbo and diesel models' front suspension standardised across the range. Clear indicators and plastic doorhandles were the immediate giveaway, as were the new front seats. Five-speed gearbox was offered as an option on the TL, while the GTL became an economy (rather than luxury) version - and received a lower-powered 1647cc engine to replace the old 1397cc unit, and five-speed gearbox, electronic ignition and an econometer gauge.

Revised front-end styling, all models gained a front spoiler, amd the saloons also received the Turbo's rear bootlid spoiler. Four-stud wheel rims were standardised across the range. All models now received the Fuego-style dashboard previously reserved for the 18 Turbo.

Production begins to wind-down in readiness for the launch of the Renault 21 in 1986, and it goes off sale in the UK when the new car arrives. European production halted in 1989, with 2,028,964 Renault 18s built in France. The car remains in production in Argentina until 1993, when the last Renault 18 rolled off the line. 132,956 were built there.