Renault 16 TS
The Renault 16 TS holds a special place in automotive history as the sportier variant of what is widely credited as the first mass-produced hatchback. While the basic Renault 16 revolutionized the family car segment when it launched in 1965, the TS version added a welcome dose of performance to the formula, creating a car that was both brilliantly practical and genuinely enjoyable to drive.
The Renault 16 was not technically the first hatchback — that distinction could be argued for several earlier cars — but it was the first to combine a full five-door body with a folding rear seat and a large tailgate in a mass-produced family car. This configuration was so logical and practical that it became the dominant body style for European family cars within two decades. The Renault 16 essentially invented a segment.
The TS variant, introduced in 1968, featured a tuned version of the 1,565cc Cleons-Fonte engine producing 83 horsepower, compared to 55 horsepower in the basic model. Later TX versions received a larger 1,647cc engine with 93 horsepower. The additional power transformed the driving experience, giving the Renault 16 genuine open-road ability without compromising its everyday practicality.
The front-wheel-drive layout was complemented by fully independent suspension using torsion bars at all four corners. This provided a comfortable, controlled ride that was excellent by 1960s standards. The steering was light and reasonably direct, and the car's overall handling was predictable and safe. The TS specification added a five-speed gearbox (unusual for the era), stiffer suspension settings, and uprated brakes.
One of the Renault 16's unusual characteristics was its asymmetric wheelbase — the left side was slightly longer than the right, a consequence of the independent rear suspension design. This produced no noticeable effect on handling but was a fascinating engineering detail that illustrated Renault's willingness to prioritize function over convention.
The interior was spacious and practical, with a rear seat that could be configured in multiple ways. The seats could fold flat to create an enormous load floor, or the rear bench could be moved forward or backward to prioritize either passenger legroom or cargo space. This versatility was unprecedented in the family car market and set the template for hatchback design that persists today.
Nearly 1.85 million Renault 16s were produced between 1965 and 1980, making it one of Renault's most successful models. It won the European Car of the Year award in 1966, the first French car to receive this honor. The TS and TX versions represented the top of the range and are the most sought after by collectors today.
Rust is the primary threat, particularly in sills, wheel arches, and floor pans. The torsion bar suspension can sag over time. Check for correct TS specification — five-speed gearbox, twin headlights, and TS badges. Engine is robust but check for oil leaks and head gasket condition. Interior trim parts are increasingly scarce. European-spec cars are most desirable.
European Car of the Year 1966. Total production 1,845,959 units from 1965 to 1980. The TS version was introduced in 1968 with a tuned engine and five-speed gearbox. The TX with 1,647cc engine followed later. Built at Sandouville.