Renault is one of the world’s largest car makers and a bone-fide household name. It is the embodiment of French motoring passion and has a long history of success in both road cars and motorsport. The marque has helped to shape the automotive world over the years, and every new generation of its cars proves possibilities are endless!

The Renault brand was created in 1899 and the first model was the tiny Voiturette. Recognising the obvious marketing benefits of motorsport, the company ventured into racing and had some success. This willingness to take a risk, combined with great entrepreneurial spirit and ingenuity has been a central part of the Renault philosophy ever since.

The post Second World War years were when it really started to get exciting for the company as a new lease of life was given to Europe, and with it a growing demand for cars. The 4CV and Fregate models proved hugely successful as they were affordable but retained an element of style. The Dauphine was also a big bit both at home and in export markets.

Later on the Renault 4, 8, 16 and 6 would revolutionise the company and cement its place in history. Awards such as ‘European Car of the Year’ would follow in abundance. Into the 70s and 80s, its reputation as a manufacturer of economical cars grew with the production of the 5, 15 and Fuego. Renault’s multi talented nature was clear as everything from super minis to sporty models were fixtures of its stable.

Revolutionary is a word that’s regularly used to describe the company, and it was certainly applicable to the Espace, a minivan that started the ‘people carrier’ craze. The Clio, Twingo and Megane of the 1990s were also supreme and the latter was the first to record a 4 star EuroNCAP safety rating.

In the modern era, Renault is a truly global presence with its cars being sold in Europe, Asia, Central America and South America in one form or another. Its popularity has grown to Olympian levels although the Vel Satis and Avantime proved the company isn’t totally untouchable. With new generations of the Clio, Espace, Megane and Twingo, along with the other models including the Laguna, Scenic, Fluence and Kangoo, Renault’s motoring muscle is as flexed as ever.

Renault has its own Formula 1 championship winning team and has also been a top engine supplier for many years, powering the likes of Benetton, Williams and Red Bull to glory.

What you get these days is affordability and a typically French approach to style and engineering. Buying a second hand Renault is a great way to save money thanks to big discounts and Motors.co.uk has a great selection to choose from.

The company is totally unique and does things its own way. The cars it produces are fantastic!