Miguel Sánchez
There are more and more cases in which current models seek their legitimacy in classic references. A form of project the future by claiming the past with which various brands have been carrying out powerful advertising campaigns for some time. In this sense, the most hackneyed examples could be those of BMW with the Mini and FIAT with the 600. However, lately French brands such as Peugeot or Renault have also joined this trend. Both featuring electric prototypes with clear nods to successful concepts in the past.
Exemplifiable fact with the e-Legend -inspired by the 504 Coupé- or the new R5 -dated for the next 2024-. Two cases with a lot of media noise thanks to its groundbreaking design and careful advertising campaign. Something much more modest at the launch of the Renault arkana. A multi-purpose C-segment SUV produced in Russia. Which is having a certain breakthrough in the market thanks to its mix of habitability and versatility, presenting itself as a car designed for young families with daily needs but also leisure.
This concept has been gaining market for a few years, but in reality it is not as young as one might think. In fact, part of Arkana's advertising strategy has been based on join it to what was one of the first truly versatile vehicles on the European market: the Renault R16. A family member from 1965 with which the diamond brand debuted what many consider to be an antecedent of SUVs thanks to its long-stroke suspensions, easy loading and modular interior space.
A mix of saloon and van that like Arkana, it had young families as the main recipient. Of course, both models also share another quality: their criticized aesthetics.
RENAULT R16. A NEW CAR FOR A NEW GENERATION
Regardless of tastes and affiliations, the truth is that a car must above all be faithful to the purpose for which it was created. As it is, there are racing models, elegant saloons and vehicles where practicality is the key. One of them is the Renault R16. A familiar designed from the inside out prioritizing interior space and accessibility. Containing a spacious and bright cabin where the modular seats have up to seven possible configurations. Characteristic by which the R16 goes in minutes from being a family for five passengers to a cargo van with easy access from its huge gate as a fifth door.
A type of bodywork that we are used to today. But what in 1965 it broke all the molds by sweeping the three-volume concept into the sedan segment. Of course, that was not done for a simple aesthetic whim. Far from it, at Renault they realized that by the mid-XNUMXs the children of the postwar population boom were already becoming parents. In addition, benefited by the economic expansion, they no longer lived with the difficulties of their parents.
They had access to technical training, better paid jobs and consumer capacity. So they not only needed cars for day to day but also prepared for recreational trips. In addition, living in the new suburbs on the periphery they no longer made small daily purchases on foot. But large weekly baskets acquired in the new shopping centers equipped with parking. In short, it was a totally new generation in need of a practical and versatile car. Designed for the needs of a young and modern family. Just the gap that the Renault R1965 came to occupy from 1979 to 16.
PIONEER OF VERSATILITY
Understanding the context of the Renault R16 it is impossible not to be benevolent with its forms. And it is that its aesthetics is not virtuous because of its proportions but because of the practicality it allows. An assembly that incidentally brought the engineers of the Sandouville factory -released for this model- head over heels due to the complexity of welding such a high ceiling. Regarding how to bear the varying weight of various loads, the suspensions were adapted to a soft, long-travel scheme. Which ensured comfort in smooth marches but also great ground clearance. A quality that allowed the Renault R16 both to go down roads -if it was going light- and to fill up to the brim -with the bottom falling to the ground-.
Regarding the competition, it can be said that none of the saloons of the time had the same versatility as the Renault R16. If to that we add that its 1470cc and 58CV engines -in their most basic version- gave enough verve to their 980 kilos, we have a set of good average that could only be attributed to having weak brakes. For more demanding customers in terms of motor, 1973 saw the appearance of the TX version. The top of the range. With displacement increased to 1647cc to reach 93CV. One of the eight variants produced, totaling 2.193.000 units assembled between the two plants in France, Australia and Yugoslavia.
A success that achieved in 1966 the title of Car of the Year in Europe. The recognition of the good average between different qualities that the Renault R16 represents. Adjusting to a new market derived from the times in which it was developed. Undoubtedly the main virtue of this car, which, however, Renault salesmen did not hold in high esteem as they considered it "Uglier than smart". However, as we said before, there are cars whose beauty or charm lies in the usefulness of their proposal for day to day.
Photographs: Renault Classic
