Renault 15 Overview: 1972–1980 Three-Door Hatchback
Overview of the Renault 15, a front-wheel-drive three-door hatchback built from 1972 to 1980 with 60–90 hp engines, covering its single generation and which versions to buy.
The Renault 15 is a three-door hatchback produced from 1972 to 1980, with engine outputs ranging from 60 to 90 hp and front-wheel drive across the range. It suits buyers looking for a compact classic French coupe-style hatchback of the 1970s with simple mechanicals and a choice of manual or automatic transmission.
Renault 15 generations
1 generation (1972–1980)
The first and only generation of the Renault 15 was built from 1972 to 1980 exclusively as a three-door hatchback. Power outputs span 60 to 90 hp, and all versions drive the front wheels. The lineup counts 4 modifications, offered with both manual and automatic gearboxes. The notable versions are the Renault 15 1.6 MT (1 generation) and the Renault 15 1.6 AT (1 generation), both using a 1590 cc engine rated at 90 hp.
Which Renault 15 to buy
- 1.6 MT (1 generation): the mass-market choice, with 90 hp from its 1590 cc engine and a manual gearbox driving the front wheels.
- 1.6 AT (1 generation): the most powerful automatic option, matching the top 90 hp output of the range with its 1590 cc engine.
When buying used, remember that every Renault 15 dates from 1972–1980, so age matters more than trim: condition varies far more between individual cars than between the 4 modifications. The single-generation, single-body lineup keeps the search simple — the main decision is the 90 hp 1.6-litre engine with a manual or an automatic gearbox.
Choosing between manual and automatic
Both notable versions share the same 1590 cc engine and 90 hp output, so the Renault 15 1.6 MT (1 generation) and the Renault 15 1.6 AT (1 generation) differ only in transmission. The manual version was the mass-market variant of the range, which typically makes examples easier to find; the automatic offers the same peak power with two-pedal driving. Since the data shows no acceleration or fuel-consumption figures for either version, the transmission choice comes down to driving preference rather than measurable performance differences.
Renault 15 range at a glance
Across its 1972–1980 production run, the Renault 15 lineup stayed compact: one generation, one three-door hatchback body, front-wheel drive only, and 4 modifications spanning 60 to 90 hp. The top of the range is defined by the 1.6-litre (1590 cc) 90 hp versions, available with either gearbox, while the entry point of the range starts at 60 hp.