Renault 16 1965–1970 car dimensions: 4230 mm long, 1650 mm wide and 1450 mm high. Unladen weight is 980 kg. Braked towing is 1,000 kg.
The cabin offers versatile seating with multiple layouts. The rear bench slides, folds or removes. Column gearshift frees floor space for wider seats. An advanced layered heating and ventilation system with extractors gives good airflow even with windows shut. Higher trims add armrests, cigar lighter and better trim. No electronic driver aids appear in period specs.
Boot volume starts at 346 litres with seats up. Sliding the rear bench adds space to around 424 litres. Full fold or removal creates a flat load floor of 1200 litres. Large rear hatch gives easy access.
Payload is listed at 480 kg. A Commerciale version adds stronger tyres and rear seat protection for load work. Towing reaches 1000 kg braked on later examples in the period, with 750 kg unbraked typical.
The cabin feels roomy and airy with excellent all-round visibility from the tall glass area. Soft polyurethane foam seats with rubber bolsters offer real comfort for long trips and recline or fold into seven positions including full beds or a child cradle. An advanced multi-layer heating and ventilation system with facia vents and rear extractors keeps air fresh even with windows shut. Column gearshift leaves a flat floor and wide front seating. The ride is soft and isolating thanks to long-travel torsion bars.
Petrol consumption around 8.3-11.3 l/100 km or 28-33 mpg depending on conditions.
Engine oil change every 5,000 km or 3,100 miles.
Gearbox oil change every 10,000 km or 6,200 miles.
Front disc brakes with rear drums and load-sensitive pressure valve.
Fully independent torsion-bar suspension all round with anti-roll bars.
Front seat belts fitted as standard from 1970.
Fuel economy is solid for a 1.5-litre family hatch of the period. Owners report 8.3 litres per 100 km on a mix of roads rising to 11.3 litres when pushed. One long test returned 33.6 mpg on premium petrol with a useful 50-litre tank giving 360-400 miles range. The aluminium engine with sealed cooling system and electric fan runs quietly in top gear.
Servicing is straightforward by 1960s standards. Engine oil and filter need attention every 5,000 km while gearbox and final-drive oil lasts twice as long. No chassis greasing points. Tappet clearances are set at 0.20 mm inlet and 0.25 mm exhaust. Cooling system holds about 6-7 litres. Detachable front and rear wings ease accident repairs.
Safety kit centres on the chassis and brakes. Front discs and rear drums work with a rear anti-roll bar that modulates brake balance according to load. Four-wheel independent torsion-bar suspension delivers stable handling and soft ride without excessive roll. Child-proof rear door locks and a rigid monocoque body with patented roof welding add protection. Seat belts became standard later in the generation.
Living with the car rewards careful owners. The modular interior converts from five seats to a vast 1,200-litre load bay or overnight beds. Soft seats and quiet running suit long family trips. Corrosion is the main long-term enemy so regular underside care is essential. Parts support remains good through specialist clubs and the mechanical simplicity keeps running costs reasonable for a classic.
Length 4230 mm, Width 1650 mm, Height 1450 mm, Wheelbase 2710 mm (16 1965–1970)
Sources: manufacturer data, Renault The Originals Museum.