More than an old car #232: Renault Fuego

It always gives me much pleasure to spot cars after a stressful week, especially when I see vehicles that I have never come across before like this 1981 Renault Fuego GTX: I had never heard of it before and it took a while to appreciate its uniqueness, especially when it is almost forgotten on the roads! 

Launched in 1980, the Renault Fuego arrived at a time when European manufacturers were experimenting with aerodynamic styling and front-wheel-drive practicality. Built as a sporty successor to the Renault 15 and 17, the Fuego was designed by Robert Opron, who was the same mind behind some of Citroën’s most distinctive shapes such as the SM. Fittingly, Fuego is the Spanish word for 'fire': the result was a sleek, wind-cheating coupe with a drag coefficient as low as 0.32 in certain variants which was impressive for its era. 

Unlike traditional rear-wheel-drive sports coupes of the time, the Fuego was based on the Renault 18’s platform, meaning it combined sporty looks with everyday usability. It featured a unique large glass hatch, folding rear seats, and a surprisingly airy cabin thanks to its expansive windows. Interestingly, it was the first car in the world to be equipped with remote central locking, which is something that we take for granted today. Higher trims came equipped with features that were ahead of their time such as steering wheel-mounted audio controls and even a trip computer in some markets.

The Fuego was offered in multiple engine configurations and trims over its production run, ranging from a modest 1.4-litre inline-4 to the more spirited Fuego Turbo and GTX. The GTX packed a 1,995 cc Douvrin Type 829 i4 engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 192 km/h and a 0–100 km/h time of 11 seconds. It was 4365 mm long and weighed 1080 kg, with a fuel consumption of 8.2 litres / 100 km; this gave the sleek coupe genuine performance credentials to match its looks.

Production of the Fuego ended in Europe in 1986, though it continued in Argentina until 1992. In total, 265,367 units were produced -- healthy numbers at the time, yet sightings today are rare, especially in right-hand-drive markets. Rust, neglect, and the passage of time have quietly thinned the herd. Fuegos were sold in Singapore from 1981, where the GTX model retailed at S$41,400 by Exklusiv Auto Pte Ltd. Local reviews praised its sleek look, instrument panel display, spacious interior and suspension, though there were gripes about the rough gear change and slight sluggishness when accelerating.

This particular example was imported from the UK and appears to have been off the road since 1995; incidentally it is the only one here currently as no original Singapore units are left. Although Fuegos may not be as well-revered as Porsche's 944 nor Alfa Romeo's GTVs, they are a reminder of when Renault dared to mix sharp styling, practicality, and turbocharged flair in one affordable package. I hope you will be able to see it back on the road, because cars like these deserve to be seen, driven, and remembered!