Renault Fuego

The Renault Fuego is a sporty coupé produced by the French automaker Renault between 1980 and 1992, although it was discontinued in most European markets by 1985. Designed by Robert Opron—renowned for his earlier work at Citroën—the Fuego was developed on the platform of the Renault 18, serving as its more aerodynamic and performance-oriented sibling.

First unveiled at the 1980 Geneva Motor Show, the Fuego was available exclusively as a three-door coupé. Contrary to some claims, no convertible or five-door hatchback versions were produced as standard.

The engine lineup included a range of inline four-cylinder petrol engines from 1.4 to 2.2 liters. There was no V6 option, and the top-tier models were the Fuego Turbo, which featured a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine producing up to 132 horsepower in later versions. These models could reach speeds of around 200 km/h (124 mph) and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0–62 mph) in roughly 9 seconds.

The Fuego was notable for its advanced aerodynamics, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.32, which was exceptional for its time. It also pioneered technology, becoming the first production car to offer a remote keyless entry system using infrared technology in 1983.

Stylistically, the Fuego had a sleek, flowing profile with a long hood and a wraparound rear window, drawing some inspiration from the Renault 30 but with a more modern and aggressive flair.

The Fuego saw popularity across Europe—especially in France, Spain, and Italy—as well as in South America (notably Argentina, where production continued until 1992), the United States (marketed by AMC), and Australia. Despite its success, some owners reported issues with build quality and reliability, which ultimately limited its long-term reputation.