Renault to bring back Le Car to challenge Mini, Fiat 500, Citroën DS3 et al?

[Haltech]

Filed under: Hatchback, Renault



Every automaker and their sister-company is getting in on the premium, stylish hatchback game. Mini is still the original, but the Fiat group has risen to the challenge with the 500, Alfa MiTo and new Lancia Ypsilon, Audi entered the fray with the A1 and Citroën is fielding the DS3. Most take their cues from a classic precursor, and now reports suggest that Renault could claim its share with the rebirth of what we knew as Le Car.

Launched in Europe in 1972, the R5 was an innovative vehicle and a hot seller in the old world. Unfortunately it never gained much ground in the U.S., where it was marketed as Le Car, but it did rack up considerable success in racing on both sides of the Atlantic.

If approved, a new version of the R5 based on the Clio would likely follow a similar approach as the Mini and 500, not to mention Volkswagen's New Beetle and upcoming Microbus. A return to the American market is tipped to be unlikely, but it wouldn't be entirely out of the question for Renault to offer "Le Nouveau Car" through dedicated sections of partner Nissan's dealerships here, not unlike the Fiat 500 and Chrysler.

[Source: Inside Line]Renault to bring back Le Car to challenge Mini, Fiat 500, Citroën DS3 et al? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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