The Renault 5 GT Turbo

If you were of driving age in the 1980s and 1990s, chances are you either owned a Renault 5 GT Turbo, desperately wanted one, or raced against one and watched it disappear into the horizon! Known affectionately as the GTT, this little hot hatch from France wasn’t just fast for its size - it was a full-on pocket rocket, and it’s now cemented in time as a cult classic.

Let’s have a look at what made the Renault 5 GT Turbo so special - and why it still appeals today!

A little bit of history 

Launched in 1985, the Renault 5 GT Turbo was based on the second-generation Renault 5, known as the ‘Supercinq’. But while the base model was a humble runaround, the GT Turbo was anything but: Renault took a 1.4-litre engine and put a Garrett T2 turbocharger onto it, creating a car that was light, nimble and seriously quick.

The power output was good, coming in at around 115 bhp in its early form - which is impressive when you consider that the car weighed just 850kg. That meant it could do 0-60 mph in under 8 seconds, making it faster than a Golf GTI at the time…

What’s the difference between the Phase 1 and the Phase 2?

There were two main iterations of the Renault 5 GT Turbo during its production run from 1985 to 1991…

Phase 1 (1985–1987)

Known for its raw, aggressive character and lighter build, it had 115bhp. With its distinctive grey plastic side skirts and bumpers, it certainly stood out. It was known for its turbo lag, which was followed by a surge of power once it kicked in. The Phase 1 was lighter and considered more ‘hardcore’ by some, compared to what was to follow.

Phase 2 (1988–1991)

The Phase 2 was slightly more refined (and reliable). Its power increased slightly to 120 bhp, and it had new body-coloured bumpers and smoother styling. As well as having a revised cooling system and improved carburettor, the interior was updated, offering slightly more comfort (though it still had a very ’80s feel to it).

While the Phase 2 was probably better built and more usable day-to-day, many GTT lovers still lean towards the Phase 1 for its purist, untamed driving experience...

Some fast facts on the pocket rocket

The GTT had a fair bit of turbo lag - but when the boost came on, it felt like a rocket, and drivers loved that punchy, slightly unpredictable power delivery.

Renault campaigned the GT Turbo in rallying and it was also a favourite among amateur racers thanks to its tunability. It became legendary in the tuning scene, because with some simple mods, it could hit 150–180 bhp or more, making it an absolute weapon!

In the 1990s, it was one of the most stolen cars in the UK - partly because of its popularity and partly because it was so easy to break into. As a result, it earned a reputation for being very pricey to insure for young drivers.

When it comes to driving it, it’s loud! You feel every bump and every corner. The GT Turbo has almost zero electronic interference. There’s no traction control, no ABS, and definitely no driving modes. It’s just you and that tiny turbocharged engine that begs to be pushed to the limit!

A bit of a modern classic

These days, the Renault 5 GT Turbo is climbing in value as people seek out the few remaining clean examples, as many were modified into oblivion or rusted away.

It might not have the polish of more modern hot hatches, but it has something even better, and that is character! This car shows that back in the day you didn’t need deep pockets to go fast and have fun. It captured the rebellious spirit of a generation of young drivers, and it still holds its own as one of the most iconic hot hatches ever built.

What a legend!