It was the last Renault that wore a number instead of a name and it replaced two models in the Renault compact lineup: the 9 and the 11.
And it was the first Renault available in four body versions: 3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, convertible and sedan.

The three-door version of the Renault 19 was the sporty version or the utilitarian version. In France, the vehicles with two doors were often sold without rear seats as “utility vehicles”, thus avoiding some taxes. Afterward, the owners just had to install new seats in the back and that was it. Renault 19 was the model that started with an old-school engine with on-head valves and a carburetor and ended up with 16 valves, twin-cam and fuel-injected modern engines.

The vehicle was a big step ahead and its name was a link to the successful Renault 18 from the late ’70s. A new, modern design, with rectangular headlights and rounded edges, was just in the late 80’s trend. Meanwhile, the sporty look of the three-door hatchback with enough room in the back and a decent trunk was supposed to attract many customers. But the three-door version wasn’t such a success.

Inside, the Renault 19 offered as standard only power steering and brakes. No power windows or air-conditioning. Those were available as an extra option and not on any engine version.

Under the hood, there were numerous variants, including diesel versions and the top 140 hp gasoline engine for the Williams version.