Renault Fuego GTS
A huge glass hatch and four real seats made Renault's sleek new coupé useful enough for everyday family life.
1980 Renault Fuego GTS · Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand · CC BY 2.0
More than a set of wheels.
Renault unveiled the Fuego at Geneva in March 1980 as the successor to the 15 and 17. Designer Robert Opron's team shaped a low nose, wraparound ribbed rear glass and practical hatch over Renault 18-based running gear. The GTS paired the dramatic body with the livelier 1.6-litre engine and a five-speed gearbox.
Look a little closer.
Fuego means 'fire' in Spanish, but the car was French—and the early GTS was naturally aspirated, not turbocharged.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
Sports-car shape, Renault 18 foundations
Renault reused the contemporary 18's platform and many mechanical parts, controlling cost while giving the Fuego a distinct coupé body. The long glass hatch opened wide for luggage, and the rear seat made it a genuine four-seater rather than a two-seat sports car with token shelves.
Source: The Originals Renault Museum · Fuego Turbo history ↗Keep the launch GTS separate from later Fuegos
The 1980 range also included 1.4-litre TL/GTL and 2.0-litre TX/GTX versions. The GTS used the 1,647 cc engine at 96 DIN PS and a five-speed manual. Later Turbo petrol, Turbo Diesel, American and Argentine cars have different engines and equipment, so their performance does not belong on this page.
Source: 1980 Renault Fuego factory brochure catalog record ↗Where these facts come from
- The Originals Renault Museum · Fuego Turbo history
- Renault Group · Douai plant history
- 1980 Renault Fuego factory brochure catalog record
- Automobile-Catalog · 1980 Renault Fuego GTS cross-check
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed September 30, 2026.