Renault 19 16v | Spotted

Craving a retro hot hatch on a budget? Don't forget there was a Renault other than the Clio...

By Matt Bird / Wednesday, 21 October 2026 / Loading comments

That’s right, the fascination with all things fast and French hasn’t abated yet. And here’s something potentially just as rare as a Citroen CX Turbo: the Renault 19 16v. Credit where it’s due to the French, they do love to make a hot hatch out of an unlikely base: all manner of plain family cars over the decades, from Visa to Xsara, have been given racy makeovers. The 19 was certainly one of those, a very ordinary base that became something of a cult hero - yet one often forgotten in the Renault back catalogue.

There are several reasons for that. The first is its fairly staid appearance, even by the standards of '90s hatches (and four-door saloons); the Clio 16v that existed alongside was a much prettier, sportier, more modern-looking thing. With similar amounts of power from the 1.8, too, you’d have really had to want the 19’s extra space to go for it over the smaller car. That Renault abandoned the Golf-sized hot hatch for a while after the 19 can’t have helped the reputation, either: while the Megane arrived in the mid-'90s, it wasn’t until the 21st century that a Renaultsport launched.

That said, there was plenty to like about the 19. That 16-valve engine was gutsy, the handling deft and the seats were supportive - you can always rely on French pocket rockets for excellent chairs. But electrics were problematic, the build quality not amazing even by the standards of the era, and rust became an issue as well. It’s little wonder that few made it far into the 21st century, even with sturdy mechanicals. Car Magazine said 35 years ago: ‘Quality is not a word you’d readily associate with the Renault’s interior. Many of the plastics are low grade, it rattles like a creche, and the fabric used to upholster the seats looks like the cheap covers sold in car accessory shops.’ Yikes.

This one, then, is a real find. It must be one of the last, a 1995 five-door kitted out with a leather interior. While most tend to prefer the look of a pre-facelift 19, we’re very much at the beggars and choosers stage of this old Renault’s life - you take what you can get. Any of the 16-valves left are going to offer an authentic retro hatch experience.

There are fewer than 70,000 miles on this one, which would explain why it presents so nicely inside and out. But even this one had been plagued by rot, with wings and sills requiring recent attention. The ad mentions some additional new parts, too, including alternator, starter motor and cambelt. It looks good to go, though plenty of used cars have flattered to deceive. See what a new MOT throws up and proceed from there.

Let’s be optimistic and assume it passes with flying colours: what a cool way to spend £7,995 this would be. As 5s, Clios and Meganes of all eras soar in value - and are fairly common sights by modern classic standards - so the seemingly spotless 19 at less than £10k looks all the more appealing. Not being a hero car of the era has never been such a selling point. Get some yellow film for the foglights and away you go…

SPECIFICATION | RENAULT 19 16V

Engine: 1,764cc four-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 137@6,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 117@4,250rpm
MPG: 36.7
CO2: na
Year registered: 1995
Recorded mileage: 67,800
Price new: c. £13k
Yours for: £7,995