The Incredible Story of the Renault Express

If a model dedicated to professional work has been discontinued for a long time (a long time) and even so, units continue to be “active,” it is because, in its day, it was a success on the part of the brand that created it, as well as those who decided to buy it. We bring you the history of the Renault Express.

Small Piece About Renault Express

It is a small van, affordable and designed so that any business, no matter how small, would have a reliable and resistant means of transport. It is, in fact, the successor to the Renault 4 Van, which it replaced in the distant 1985.

Known by various names depending on the country (Rapid or Extra), it was based on the Renault Supercinco, its mechanics. Logically, the similarities were only in the front since they were very different vehicles.

It was available in three bodies (van, estate, or pick-up), being tremendously popular. Its evolution throughout the different phases of its history is clearly defined on the front: originally a horizontal slat grille with two square headlights, which would later become headlights, with a smaller grille wrapped in a molding—made of black plastic or the same color as the bodywork.

Known by various names depending on the country (Rapid or Extra), it was based on the Renault Supercinco, its mechanics. Logically, the similarities were only in the front since they were very different vehicles.

It was available in three bodies (van, estate, or pick-up), being tremendously popular. Its evolution throughout the different phases of its history is clearly defined on the front: originally a horizontal slat grille with two square headlights, which would later become headlights, with a smaller grille wrapped in a molding—made of black plastic or the same color as the bodywork.

It is still curious that she has now come back to life as a little brother of the model that replaced her, the Kangoo. Presented at the beginning of 2021, the new Express has a design quite similar to this one but with more contained dimensions (4.39 meters long). Renault itself points it out as a vehicle designed for those seeking the best value for money. 

Thanks to its sliding doors, the loading area is 1.91 meters long, 3.7 cubic meters in capacity, and easy to access. It has essential technological and safety elements. It is offered with a range of exclusively thermal engines: the 1.5 Blue dCi diesel with 75 or 95 HP and a 1.3 TCE gasoline with 100 HP.