Renault 20/30 - Timeline

Timeline

• March 1975 - Introduction of the Renault 30 TS, a large 5-door hatchback available in only one specification, the TS with the 2664 cc V6 PRV engine (developed jointly between Peugeot, Renault and Volvo), with a choice between a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic gearbox. The R30 TS had power-assisted steering, four round Quartz-Iodide headlights, electric front windows and central locking.
• November 1975 - Introduction of the Renault 20, in L, TL and GTL specifications, with the smaller 4-cylinder 1647 cc (90 PS (66 kW)) engine and 4-speed gearbox. All three variations of the R20 had two rectangular headlights instead of the four round ones like on the R30 TS. The L had very basic trim and no hubcaps. The TL had a better equipment level, while the GTL had much the same equipment level as the TS. Automatic transmission was optional on the R20 TL and R20 GTL. Quartz Iodide Headlights optional on all R20 models.
• 1976 - The 1647 cc engine from the R20 had the power rating increased to 96 PS (71 kW).
• Late 1977/early 1978 - The R20 L was dropped from the range because of slow sales, its presence was only justified by its price. All models got a restyled instrument panel visor. The R30 TS had its power dropped from 130 to 125 PS (96 to 92 kW). Optional steel wheels with Michelin TRX tyres.
• July 1977 - Introduction of the R20 TS. It had a new 1995 cc engine (rated at 109 PS (80 kW)), with the choice of a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic gearbox. The equipment level remained largely the same as the R20 GTL.
• October 1978 - Introduction of the R30 TX. It had a more powerful Bosch K-Jetronic fuel-injected 144 PS (106 kW) version of the 2664 cc V6 engine, 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic gearbox. It also had alloy wheels, electric windows all-round, electric sunroof, velour upholstery, and front and rear head restraints.
• 1979 - Revisions to all models: driver's side rear fog light and rear seat belts. The R20 TS got a new cooling fan, inertia reel rear seat belts, a new windscreen wiper switch, and the choice of a 5-speed gearbox. The R30 TS got a more powerful 130 PS (96 kW) engine, and small pocket in the drivers sun visor.
• 1979 - Introduction of the R20 LS. It had the same mechanical specification as the R20 TS but the equipment specification of the R20 TL.
• September 1979 - Introduction of the R20 Diesel (in TD and GTD forms) with new 2068 cc Diesel (67 PS (49 kW)) engine, 5-speed gearbox, negative offset front suspension, and larger four-stud wheel rims. The R20 TD was equivalent to the R20 TL/LS, while the R20 GTD: equivalent to the R20 TS only it added power-steering.
• 1980 - All models got a pantograph drivers side wiper, and a completely restyled interior with new dashboard and instrument panel from the Renault Fuego. All petrol models got a new type of automatic transmission option. R20 TL/GTL got new alternator with built-in electronic regulator and new 3-spoke wheel rims. The R20 TS now had the wheel rims from the R30 TS. The R30 TS/TX got a chrome grille surround.
• 1981: All R20 models got new dual-circuit braking system and negative offset front suspension. The R20 GTL was discontinued, leaving the R20 TL the only model to have the 1.6-litre engine. The R30 TX got new bumpers.
• 1981 - R30TS discontinued.
• 1981 - A new 2.2 L engine rated at 115 PS (85 kW) is introduced in the new 20 TX. A new 2.0 L diesel engine rated at 60 PS (44 kW) is added to the R20 range.
• 1982 - A new turbodiesel engine delivering 85 PS (63 kW) and derived from the naturally aspirated diesel engine is introduced in the new R30 Turbo D.
• 1983 - The R20 and R30 cease production, to be replaced by Renault 25.