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Renault 19 I Chamade (L53) 1.7 (L53C) (90 Hp)
Overall Rating
Renault 19:
The Renault 19 is a small family car that was produced by the French car manufacturer Renault between 1988 and 1996. In Turkey and in Argentina, production continued until 2000. The internal development code for the 19 was X53, with the five door receiving the B53 chassis code, the three door being the C53, the Chamade the L53, and the Cabriolet the D53.
The R19 was presented in June 1988, with sales in the domestic French market beginning in September 1988. It was the replacement for the 9 and 11, both of which were ageing and outdated by the end of the 1980s. The R19 went on sale in right hand drive form for the British market in February 1989....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Chamade (L53) Overview:
Renault 19 (I Chamade (L53)). With 140 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.1 l/100km). Weighing only 1004 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.7 s). The top speed reaches 185 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.7 (L53C) (90 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A well-balanced engine offering respectable acceleration and sufficient power for most driving scenarios, a good all-rounder for its era.
Fuel Economy
Decent fuel economy for its power output, especially if driven conservatively, making it a practical choice for mixed driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Comfortable ride quality for its class, absorbing road imperfections well.
- • Wide range of engine options, catering from economical diesels to a potent 16V petrol.
- • Practical and spacious interior for a compact sedan, offering good passenger room.
- • Generally reliable for its era with proper maintenance, known for mechanical robustness.
- • Affordable to purchase and maintain, making it a good budget-friendly option.
- • Timeless, understated design that has aged gracefully.
Cons:
- • Basic safety features by modern standards (pre-Euro NCAP), lacking airbags and advanced systems.
- • Entry-level 1.4L engines are notably underpowered for anything beyond city driving.
- • Interior plastics can feel dated and are prone to wear or sun damage over time.
- • Rust can be an issue on older models, particularly around wheel arches and sills.
- • Lack of modern amenities and technology, as expected for a car of its vintage.
- • Some parts can be difficult to source for specific trims or older components.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I Chamade (L53): 1989 - 1992).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Renault |
| Model: | 19 |
| Generation: | I Chamade (L53) |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.7 (L53C) (90 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1990 |
| End of production: | 1992 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 90 Hp @ 5250 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 52.3 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 140 Nm @ 3000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | F3N 742 More details about the engine F3N 742 |
| Engine displacement: | 1721 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.2 l |
| Coolant: | 6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 83.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 185 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.2 kg/Hp, 89.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.2 kg/Nm, 139.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1004 |
| Max. weight: | 1440 |
| Max load: | 436 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 463 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4262 mm mm |
| Width: | 1694 mm mm |
| Height: | 1412 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2545 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1418 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1417 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/70 R13; 175/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 13; 14 |
What’s the best feature of the Renault 19? Tell us in the comments!