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Renault 12 Variable 1.3 (1170) (54 Hp)
Overall Rating
Renault 12:
The Renault 12 is a small family car introduced by French automaker Renault at the Paris Motor Show in October 1969 and produced in France until 1980. Available as a saloon and estate , it was also produced under licence in many countries around the globe into the early 21st century.
In its first few years the 12 received praise from the European press for its spacious, comfortable interior, its styling, its performance and its low fuel consumption. However it fared worse in the North American press: in a test of the 1974 model, Road & Track was critical of the engine's "obtrusive" noise, and called the heavy, non-power steering "a serious design flaw". They also gave it "very poor marks" for the ventilation system....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Variable Overview:
Renault 12 (Variable). Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 17.5 s). The top speed reaches 142 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Renault 12 Variable was produced long before the establishment of Euro NCAP (1997). Therefore, no official Euro NCAP safety rating is available. Safety features were rudimentary by modern standards, typical for vehicles of the 1970s.
1.3 (1170) (54 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A practical choice for general use, providing leisurely acceleration suitable for city and rural roads, with a 0-100 km/h time of 17.5 seconds.
Fuel Economy
Similar to the 60 Hp variant, offering acceptable but not outstanding fuel efficiency for the period.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and practical estate body style.
- • Robust and simple mechanicals, easy to maintain.
- • Comfortable ride for its class and era.
- • Good value as a family or utility vehicle.
Cons:
- • Performance is modest across all engine variants.
- • Lacks modern safety features (typical for its time).
- • Fuel economy is not competitive by modern standards.
- • Basic interior amenities and styling.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(12: 1969 - 1980).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Renault |
| Model: | 12 |
| Generation: | Variable |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.3 (1170) (54 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1970 |
| End of production: | 1975 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 54 Hp |
| Engine Model/Code: | 810 [Same engine] More details about the engine 810 |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.3 l |
| Coolant: | 5 l |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 17.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 17.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 142 km/h |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 16.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 l |
If you could change one thing about the Renault 12, what would it be?