Turbo 2 (1982 to 1986)

The Renault 5 Turbo 2, manufactured globally between 1982 and 1986, was the ingenious, more production-focused successor to the high-strung "Turbo 1" homologation special. While it retained the legendary 1.4-litre mid-mounted turbocharged engine and rear-wheel-drive layout, the Turbo 2 swapped out the exotic light-alloy body panels and bespoke Bertone interiors for standardised steel components and trim shared with the contemporary R5 Alpine, making it a more accessible but equally ferocious performance icon. In the 2026 Australian market, the Turbo 2 remains a definitive underdog to its competitors from the era, such as the Audi Quattro or Lancia 037; while it lacks their all-wheel-drive complexity, it offers a raw, analog driving experience that few modern cars can replicate. The local buyer pool is an elite group of "Group B" devotees and investors who prize the approximately 3,167 units produced worldwide, especially since original Australian-delivered examples are virtually non-existent, making private imports highly sought after. Because of this rarity, desirability has surged, and market value in 2026 reflects its status as a blue-chip collectible that bridges the gap between a road car and a professional racing machine. Delivering 160hp, a 200km/h top speed, and a 0–100km/h sprint in roughly 6.9 seconds, the Turbo 2 stands as a testament to the time when Renault dared to put a supercar-slaying engine into a "little car."

The Renault 5 Turbo 2, manufactured globally between 1982 and 1986, was the ingenious, more production-focused successor to the high-strung "Turbo 1" homologation special. While it retained the legendary 1.4-litre mid-mounted turbocharged engine and rear-wheel-drive layout, the Turbo 2 swapped out the exotic light-alloy body panels and bespoke Bertone interiors for standardised steel components and trim shared with the contemporary R5 Alpine, making it a more accessible but equally ferocious per… Read more