Segment:
Supermini / Subcompact hatchback
Target Demographic:
Economy-conscious buyers, young drivers, city dwellers.
Key Competitors:
Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf Mk1/Mk2, Peugeot 205, Fiat Uno, Opel/Vauxhall Kadett.
Design Philosophy:
Compact, fuel-efficient, practical, and affordable to own and operate.
Interior Layout:
Front-wheel drive, transverse engine layout, maximizing interior space in a small footprint.
Engine Coverage:
All gasoline engines including 1.1L (845cc), 1.4L (1397cc), 1.7L (1721cc), and the 1.6L turbo for Gordini/GTX models.
Transmission Coverage:
Manual transmissions (4-speed and 5-speed) and automatic transmissions.
Electrical System Coverage:
Full wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition, starting, charging, and auxiliary systems.
Body And Chassis Coverage:
Frame, body panels, doors, interior trim, bumpers, suspension, steering, and brakes.
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Scope:
Comprehensive, covering maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnosis, and repair.
Searchability:
Searchable text
Engine:
Detailed overhaul procedures, fuel injection (if applicable), carburetion, ignition system, cooling, lubrication, and exhaust systems.
Transmission:
Gearbox overhaul, clutch system, drive axles, and automatic transmission service.
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, steering rack, power steering (if equipped).
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), hydraulic system, parking brake.
Electrical:
Battery, alternator, starter, ignition, lighting, instruments, wipers, horn, and accessory circuits.
Body:
Body panel repairs, door mechanisms, window regulators, seats, interior trim, and weatherstripping.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, belt adjustments, spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common starting, running, and electrical faults.
Repair And Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for engine, transmission, brake, suspension, and steering component overhaul.
Diagnostics:
Fault finding charts and diagnostic steps for various systems.
Depth:
Highly detailed, covering everything from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system troubleshooting.
Target Audience:
Professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Code Common:
C-series (e.g., C1E, C2J, C3J, C4F)
Displacement Range:
845cc to 1721cc
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 35 hp to 115 hp (for Gordini/GTX models)
Torque Range:
Approx. 60 Nm to 150 Nm
Fuel Delivery Early Models:
Single-barrel downdraft carburetor (e.g., Solex, Weber)
Fuel Delivery Later Models:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) on some later 1.7L and performance variants.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (95 RON recommended for later models, 98 RON for performance variants)
Type:
Liquid-cooled, pressurized system with engine-driven fan or electric fan.
Type Common:
4-speed manual
Type Optional:
5-speed manual and 3-speed automatic
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate diaphragm spring clutch, hydraulically operated.
Typical 5 Speed Ratios:
1st: ~3.72, 2nd: ~2.16, 3rd: ~1.35, 4th: ~0.97, 5th: ~0.77, Final Drive: ~3.72 (varies by model/engine)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-80 or 80W-90 gear oil.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent.
Euro Ncap Rating:
N/A (Pre-dates formal Euro NCAP testing)
Braking System:
Front ventilated discs, rear drums (standard). Some higher trims may have rear discs.
Anti Lock Braking System ABS:
Optional on later models, not widely prevalent.
Seatbelts:
Front seatbelts (standard), rear seatbelts (optional/standard depending on market and year).
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.
Radio:
Optional AM/FM radio or cassette player, typically basic analog tuning.
Cruise Control:
Not available on standard models, extremely rare or custom fit on performance versions.
Bluetooth:
Not available.
Power Windows:
Manual window cranks standard; power windows were a rare option on higher trims.
Air Conditioning:
Optional on higher trim levels, particularly in later 'Supercinq' models.
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Spark Plugs:
Every 20,000 - 30,000 km, depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).
Timing Belt:
Every 60,000 km or 4 years for 1.4L and 1.7L engines (critical replacement, consult manual for specific engine codes).
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 (check specific engine requirements; 5W-30/5W-40 for colder climates).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant, mixture 50/50 with distilled water. Total capacity approx. 5.5 - 6.5 liters.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Rust And Corrosion:
Common in wheel arches, sills, floor pans, and around the rear hatch.
Carburetor Problems:
Clogging, wear, and tuning issues with Solex/Weber carburetors, especially on older models.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring, loose connections, faulty grounds, leading to intermittent light or accessory failures.
Suspension Wear:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can lead to imprecise steering and poor handling.
Manufacturer Founding:
1899
Brand Focus:
Innovation, mass production of affordable and practical vehicles.
Facelifts And Updates:
Multiple facelifts, including 'R5 GTL' (1980), 'R5 Turbo' (1980), 'Supercinq'/'5 GTE'/'5 GT Turbo' (1984) which significantly updated styling and engineering.
Key Variants:
R5 TL, TS, GTL, TS 'Alpine', Gordini, R5 Turbo, Supercinq, GTE, GT Turbo.
Production Years:
1972 - 1996 (original R5 and Supercinq, with extended production in some markets like Slovenia until 1996).
Manufacturing Locations:
France (Billancourt, Flins), Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Slovenia, UK (as Leyland/Rover 5), Australia.
Total Production Units:
Over 5.5 million units globally.
European Car Of The Year Nominee:
Yes, nominated for European Car of the Year in 1973.
Practical Car Awards:
Widely praised for practicality and value upon release.
Homologation:
Successfully homologated for various motorsport events, most notably the R5 Turbo in Group B rallying.
