THE 1987 Renault GTA is an odd piece. It’s an econobox with sports-carpretensions, a strikingly appealing, tinny little thing that somehowfeels solid on the road.
Indeed, it is more icon than automobile — a mechanicalrepresentation of the hopes and ambitions of a heretofore unlucky duo,American Motors Corp. and France’s Regie Nationale des Usines Renault.
Since their coming together in 1979, the two money-losing companieshave been trying to produce a winner in the U.S. market. They had somesuccess with their Alliance subcompacts, introduced as 1983 models.
But falling gasoline prices, rising small-car competition andincreased buyer demand for “performance” smothered the Alliance’s fireand left it smoldering on new-car lots across the country.
Now comes the Alliance-based GTA, with its “ground effects” bodysidecladding, its much-improved suspension and its peppier engine — allin all, a rather interesting, though somewhat disconcerting remake ofthe earlier model.
Whether the GTA will be enough to stoke up Alliance sales remains tobe seen. But this much is certain: People will either love this car orthey’ll hate it. They won’t ignore it.
Outstanding complaint: The lockout mechanism on the manual reversegear did not work properly on the test model. I inadvertently shiftedinto reverse several times because of this. AMC officials said that theproblem only affected the test model. It was repaired.
Outstanding praise: The engine and suspension. Renault, whichdesigned and engineered the GTA, installed a 2-liter,single-overhead-cam, fuel-injected, gasoline engine in this model. It’sa much better power plant than the 1.4-liter job found in base Alliancecars and the 1.7-liter engine found in slightly more upscale “L” and”DL” sedans. The GTA kicks out 90 horsepower at 5250 rpm, not at all badfor a born-again econobox.
The suspension includes gas-pressured rear shock absorbers, andimproved front gas struts. The result is superb small-car handling onwet and dry roads, around curves, and in heavy urban traffic. This is alittle road warrior.
Head-turning-quotient: Grin and grimace. This car causes much debateamong the style-conscious. Many called it ugly. Many called it cute and”different.” Each camp held strongly to its convictions.
Sound system: AM/FM stereo radio and cassette, with basic-dial bassand treble controls, by Mitsubishi. Excellent small-car sound.
Interesting feature: Hey, I know this is silly. But it’s fun. Renaultstuck a small-diameter, leather-wrapped sports steering wheel in the GTAthat’s great to play with. Sorta makes you feel like you’re out on thetrack.
Mileage: About 24 to the gallon (12.5-gal. tank), combinedcity-highway, mostly running driver only and with minimum use of climatecontrol system.
Price-as-tested: $11,113, including $1,749 in options and $365destination charge. Some options: air conditioning, $705; stereo, $367;cruise control, $188.