Renault Rapid

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Renault
Renault Express (1985-1991)
Renault Express (1985-1991)
Rapid / Express / Extra
Production period: 1985-1998
Class : Utilities
Body versions : Panel van , high-roof station wagon , pick-up
Engines:
Otto engines : 1.0–1.4 liters
(32–59 kW)
Diesel engines :
1.6–1.9 liters
(40–47 kW)
Electric motor :
16 kW
Length: 4056 mm
Width: 1566 mm
Height: 1776 mm
Wheelbase : 2580 mm
Empty weight : 905 kg
Previous model Renault 4 F4 / F6
successor Renault Kangoo

The Renault Rapid is a van from the French car manufacturer Renault , which was launched in July 1985 as the successor to the very successful Renault 4 F4 and F6 models . In addition to the name Rapid (in Germany ), it was also marketed as Renault Express (e.g. in France , Spain , Austria , Switzerland , Italy ) or Renault Extra ( Great Britain and Ireland ).

construction

Technically, the Rapid was based on the second generation of the Renault 5 , the so-called "little friend" (Germany) or "Supercinq" (France). With this model it is also the same - with a few stylistic changes - up to the A-pillar . The dashboard , chassis and the two front doors - from the five-door Renault 5 - were also taken over unchanged.

Special features of the Rapid compared to the Renault 5 were, on the one hand, the wheelbase extended by around 15 cm , the raised roof over the driver's cab and the box structure behind the B-pillar . The vehicle was available as a non-glazed or partially glazed van version with up to two seats, as a station wagon with five seats, as a pick-up and as standard ex works as a disabled vans or with various special bodies (refrigerated vans, workshop trolleys, etc.).

The Renault Rapid was available as a panel van with two wing doors hinged on the side in the rear , as well as with a large tailgate that opened upwards . As with its predecessors, the Renault 4 F4 and F6, all the wheels on the Renault Rapid were individually suspended: at the front on MacPherson struts and wishbones and at the rear on swing arms with torsion bars , while similar vehicles - such as the VW Caddy or Opel Combo, etc. - often still do were equipped with a rear rigid axle on leaf springs.

Model series

The facelift took place - as usual at Renault - in several so-called phases.

The first version ( phase 1 ) was built from mid-1985 to summer 1991. Renault also offered a small van with a 1.6l diesel engine (40 kW / 54 PS) for the first time, while the petrol engines from the Renault 5 were used. This model can be recognized by the almost vertical headlights .

In the summer of 1991 a revision for phase 2 took place . The engine range changed, as machines were now partially taken over from the Renault Clio . There was also a 1.9l diesel engine with 47 kW (64 PS). This engine with the designation "F8Q" has been modified and is still used in various Renault and Nissan models . This model was recognizable by the modernized radiator grille , which was mostly made of gray plastic and was aerodynamically somewhat cheaper.

The phase 3 of the model was from early 1994 until its replacement by the Kangoo built. The main distinguishing features were high-quality materials, the radiator grille in body color and the slightly modified taillights. An airbag was also available for this model at an additional cost . Not only has the safety equipment been upgraded, but also the comfort equipment, e.g. B. by a central locking with remote control . In phase 3, the 1.6l diesel engine was omitted and was replaced by a 1.9l diesel engine reduced to 40 kW (54 PS).

In the late 1980s, the Rapid was the first foreign vehicle that a German authority purchased in large numbers; the Deutsche Bundespost used the car in the Telekom division .

According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority , around 16,500 Rapid vehicles were registered in Germany on January 1, 2007 . As of January 1, 2010, 7191 Renault Rapid were still registered.

The successor to the Rapid, the Renault Kangoo panel van or VU, is also known as the Kangoo Rapid .

Web links

Commons : Renault Rapid  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files