The Renault 19 Chamade 1.4 i, produced from 1992 to 1996, represented a practical and affordable entry point into the Renault 19 range. Part of the L53 series, which benefited from a 1992 facelift, this variant was primarily aimed at buyers seeking economical transportation with a degree of practicality offered by the Chamade’s hatchback body style. It occupied the lower end of the 19 lineup, positioned below the more powerful 1.8 and 2.0-liter models, and served as a competitor to other small family cars like the Peugeot 305 and Citroën BX in the European market. The Chamade body style, a three-door hatchback, offered increased cargo space compared to the standard saloon, making it a popular choice for small families and individuals needing versatile load-carrying capacity.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | 19 |
| Generation | 19 Chamade (L53) (facelift 1992) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 i (80 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1992 |
| End of production | 1996 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan (Hatchback – Chamade) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.1 l/100 km (29 US mpg, 34.9 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg, 55.4 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 173 km/h (107.5 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 80 Hp @ 5750 rpm |
| Torque | 109 Nm @ 2750 rpm (80.39 lb.-ft. @ 2750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | E6J |
| Engine displacement | 1390 cm3 (84.82 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75.8 mm (2.98 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 77 mm (3.03 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Single-point injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 5.2 l (5.49 US qt | 4.58 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 970 kg (2138.48 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1430 kg (3152.61 lbs.) |
| Max load | 460 kg (1014.13 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 463 l (16.35 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 865 l (30.55 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 4248 mm (167.24 in.) |
| Width | 1696 mm (66.77 in.) |
| Height | 1412 mm (55.59 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2544 mm (100.16 in.) |
| Front track | 1426 mm (56.14 in.) |
| Rear track | 1417 mm (55.79 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 165/70 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Renault 19 Chamade 1.4 i was powered by the E6J engine, a 1390cc inline-four cylinder unit. This engine featured a single overhead camshaft (OHC) and utilized a single-point fuel injection system. While relatively simple in design, the E6J was known for its reliability and ease of maintenance. The engine produced 80 horsepower at 5750 rpm and 109 Nm (80.39 lb-ft) of torque at 2750 rpm. This power output was considered modest, even for its time, but it was sufficient for everyday driving. The engine’s relatively low compression ratio of 9.5:1 allowed it to run on lower octane fuel, further contributing to its affordability. The engine was transversely mounted, driving the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. This configuration was typical for European front-wheel-drive cars of the era.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4-liter engine, paired with the five-speed manual gearbox, provided adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took around 11.6 seconds, and the top speed was approximately 107.5 mph. The engine felt somewhat strained at higher speeds, and overtaking required careful planning. The gear ratios were tuned for economy rather than outright performance, resulting in a relaxed cruising experience. Compared to the more powerful 1.8 and 2.0-liter versions of the Renault 19, the 1.4 i felt noticeably slower, but it offered a smoother and more fuel-efficient ride. The steering was light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in urban environments.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Chamade 1.4 i typically came with a basic level of equipment. Standard features included power steering, central locking, and an AM/FM radio. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a simple, functional design. Optional extras included electric windows, a sunroof, and upgraded audio systems. The Chamade’s hatchback configuration provided a reasonably spacious interior, with ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The rear seats could be folded down to increase cargo capacity, making it a versatile option for carrying larger items.
Chassis & Braking
The Renault 19 Chamade 1.4 i featured a relatively simple chassis design. The front suspension utilized independent wishbones, while the rear suspension employed a torsion beam. This setup provided a comfortable ride, although it wasn’t particularly sporty. The brakes consisted of disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available as an option, enhancing safety. The car’s relatively light weight (970 kg or 2138.48 lbs) helped to compensate for the modest engine power.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Renault 19 Chamade 1.4 i was generally well-received by critics as a practical and affordable family car. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, reliability, and spacious interior. However, it was also criticized for its lack of power and somewhat basic equipment level. Compared to the higher-spec Renault 19 models, the 1.4 i offered significantly lower running costs but sacrificed performance. It competed directly with other small family cars such as the Peugeot 305, Citroën BX, and Volkswagen Golf, offering a compelling value proposition for budget-conscious buyers.
Legacy
The Renault 19 Chamade 1.4 i has proven to be a relatively reliable car, with many examples still on the road today. The E6J engine is known for its durability, and parts are generally readily available. However, like any older car, it is susceptible to age-related issues such as rust and wear and tear on suspension components. In the used car market, the 1.4 i Chamade is often sought after by those looking for a cheap and cheerful classic car that is easy to maintain. Its simplicity and affordability make it a popular choice for first-time car owners and those seeking a practical runabout.
