1968 Renault 16TS: Fast Outside, Soft Inside.

The Renault-16TS was the performance flagship of the range. It was one of the earliest performance hatchbacks. The original price was US$2565.

It was a landmark car, not just for Renault but for the entire industry. The first mainstream hatchback to combine performance with a touch of luxury.

From its unveiling at the 1968 Geneva Motor Show, Renault positioned the 16TS (Tourisme Sportif) more as a luxurious family car than an outright performance model.

The Renault-16TS featured the likes of two-speed wipers; four-jet washers; illumination for the ashtray, cigarette lighter and glovebox; heated rear window; spotlights and reversing lights. These were big ticket items in 1968. Optional electric windows, sunroof and leather upholstery were standard from 1969.

Stitched leather cloth covered the steering wheel and dashboard, which housed a set of five circular pods. Speedometer showed a maximum 193km/h.

Two separate front seats could be turned into a bench by raising the centre armrest. The back of the 16TS provided enough room for three. A 1.56L carburettor engine delivered 83hp.

Not everything about the Renault-16TS was a glimpse into the future. It made do with a four-speed column change (an automatic transmission was optional), while rivals utilised a conventional stick shift. The washer jets were controlled by a foot-operated button next to the clutch pedal.

Few cars could rival the Renault-16TS for ride quality. Contemporary reviews likened it to the Citroën DS, while praising its typically French way of blending handling with comfort. A peak of production hit 196253 in 1970.

Many Renault-16TS cars were produced outside of France. The Canada's government built Renault a factory, with the aim of encouraging the Canadians to abandon American cars. The Renault was praised for its high-speed cruising and load space.

A car so ahead of its time, production continued until 1980, by which time 1.85 million units had been built.