In 1991, after a long absence from the convertible market, Renault launched an open version of the Renault 19, which was developed in close collaboration with the German specialist, Karmann.
In fact, Karmann assembled the bodywork entirely in its own Osnabrück factory, where all the specific sheet metal parts were also press-moulded. Less than a year, after launch of the convertible, the entire Renault 19 range underwent a facelift. From then on, the programme consisted of the 1.8-litre, single point injection engine and the sixteen valve unit (16S [soupapes] or 16V [valves]).
In 1995, the latter ceded its place in the programme to this 19 RSi Convertible. Except for the air intake on the bonnet, this third variant had exactly the same characteristics as the 16V, meaning bumpers spayed the same colour as the main bodywork, fifteen inch ‘Vega’ alloy wheels and a lowered suspension. Also, in terms of suspension tuning, the RSi was absolutely identical to the 16V, but it was powered by the eight-valve, 1.8-litre power unit as the important difference, although it now used multipoint injection This is an extremely smooth engine, which makes the RSi the least known, but the most pleasant version of the 19 convertible to drive.
From the start, the Renault 19 Convertible was always delivered with a black top. There were some limited versions in a blue body colour with a blue top. However, the RSi was the only one, which could be ordered either with a black or with a red top, according to the customer's wishes.
En détail...
Renault 19 RSi Cabriolet (D53)
Specifications
Engine:
Front wheel drive, four-cylinder, in-line petrol, with multipoint injection, 1.794 ccs cubic capacity (82,7mms [bore] x 83,5mms [stroke]) producing 79 kW/108 bhp (DIN) at 5,500 rpm, and torque of 150 Nm at 2.750 rpm, water cooling. Battery : 12 volts.
Dimensions/weight:
Unladen weight : 1,145 kgs. Length : 4,162 metres. Width : 1,696 metres. Height : 1,410 metres. Wheelbase : 2,540 metres. Track width 1,426 metres (front) and 1,406 metres (rear). Luggage capacity : from 255 litres to (maximum) 360 litres (with hood closed). Turning circle : 10,4 metres. Maximum permissible laden weight : 1,525kgs.
Performance:
Speed 192kph (maximum); acceleration 0-100kph in 10.9 seconds; fuel consumption 6.5 litres/100 kms (at 90 kph), 8.2 litres/100 kms (at 120 kph), 10.9 litres/100kms (urban)). Fuel tank capacity : 55-litres.
Gearbox/brakes:
Five synchromesh forward gears with ratios of 0.324:1 (1st), 0.538:1 (2nd), 0.758:1 (3rd), 1.031:1 (4th) and 1.316:1 (5th) plus reverse - 0.282:1. Tyre size 195/50 R 15.
Hydraulically operated, power-assisted braking system with all round disc brakes (ventilated at front and solid at rear) and independent suspenson all round (front by McPherson struts and rear by four torque rods).