Tiff Needell Rides Renault 5 Alpine Turbo - Does Classic Beat Modern? Carhuna Carpool

Step into the driver's seat with Tiff Needell on Carhuna Carpool as he teams up with ‪@DRIVENByTom‬ for an unforgettable journey through automotive nostalgia!
In this special episode, Tiff sets out to uncover the timeless allure and performance of the iconic 1983 Renault 5 Alpine Turbo. With its distinctive retro styling and legendary reputation, the Renault 5 holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide.
Join Tiff as he takes the wheel of the classic Renault 5, distinct from the recently released model, and immerses himself in its history, design, and driving experience. From the roar of the engine to the thrill of the open road, every moment is captured in stunning detail. Whether you're a fan of classic cars or simply appreciate automotive heritage, this episode promises to deliver an unforgettable ride. So sit back, buckle up, and join Tiff Needell as he guides you through the timeless charm of the Renault 5.
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#CarhunaCarpool #R5 #RenaultR5 #TiffNeedell #ClassicCars

[@kellypaws]

Tiff Needell is, and shall always be, one of my most favourite motoring journalists. He has quiet class and confidence and exudes essence of gentleman. A very, very classy man.

[@galaxiedance3135]

I like the episode when they drove the Lexus IS-F and the BMW M3 around the track to see who could scare the girls the most. Tiff was driving around with the girls as if he's 25 years old. A cop stopping him and seeing that it's not a kid would be in complete shock! Very funny episode for anyone who hasn't seen it.

[@Tolmalion]

​@@galaxiedance3135 yeah I saw that one when it came out. I still come back to it time to time

[@t.h.9187]

Yes, he is... but my mom, she is 84, drives better and has no problems with shifting and switching on and of the wipers (instead of turning off the engine!) ;-)

[@kellypaws]

@@t.h.9187 Granted, he perhaps wasn’t having his best day’s driving.

[@Miester7]

He is like this in real life, i met him

[@thenotanclan]

Nice to see there’s still a few of the ‘old guard’ TV presenters reminding us how to conduct yourself on camera - Tiff is one of them :)

[@RazmanRahim]

I can't stop thinking about the future, to be honest. I wonder what is happening in schools these days. What progress is being made towards personal refinement? Personally, I think that excessive civil rights are breaking the social fabric itself. The bombardment of foreign culture without control, means that the identity of any great society would ultimately be lost. We should consider the simple yet powerful notion mentioned by @thenotanclan. #kudos @tiff for keeping it together.

[@DRIVENByTom]

We loved every minute of having Tiff down to the farm! - Tom Hardman

[@bobstark184]

This brings back memories! The steering gives you a proper workout on these, and the wiper stalk seriously is tiny. No torque steer as the driveshafts are equal length because the gearbox and engine are longitudinal despite being fwd. This one looks very healthy ☺️

[@F1Guy-Guy]

Renault brought Turbo to the working class man from its research + development of its F1 race cars

[@Andybarney555]

Just hearing tiff is..😍. Childhood... and im 40!." Legend

[@ABo-gg8yq]

You gotta love Tiff; great driver, knows his stuff, funny, respectfull, and overall just very British 😊.

[@stephendell2322]

That was my old car. I broke the gearbox (diff) on a hot lap of the Nordschliefe 😂

[@B_Road_Machines]

Used it properly.🫡

[@richard63]

I could have sworn you were about to make him an offer, Tiff ! Good to see you again. (I miss Fifth Gear.)

[@eddiec438]

I had a 1984 R11 Turbo with the same engine and it had 105 bhp. It was great fun and really flew when it was 'chipped'. Happy days ! 😊

[@ThaDutchDK1989]

My father who worked a lot on sport renaults and alpines says R11 turbo had the same engine as a 5 GT TURBO. Not this one . Different engine code . The alpine 5 turbo uses a C6J engine the R11 turbo and 5 GT TURBO use C1J engine

[@rashdecisions523]

My 2nd car was a Renault 5 Gordini turbo, in 1995. Red and black with a beige interior. Think it was on a C reg. Very rare even then, never saw another one in the flesh. Paid £650 for it.... would have been worth a bit more now!....Should have kept it 😏

[@fesi1370]

Greetings from Slovakia guys!🇸🇰

[@michaelmassart2349]

First memories I've got of a car was of my parents light blue R5 Alpine... My Mom let me sit on her lap as a toddler to steer it into our garage... After seven years of ownership the party was over, as rust had almost entirely devoured its rear suspension... So for me, old definitely beats new 😉

[@originalforgery]

Had a 5 Gordini Turbo in Black back in the day - FEA 444Y. Loved it and if provided the stepping stone to buying the Turbo 2. Glorious....

[@FMFGUF]

It may still be around somewhere, since it shows as SORNed...

[@jparker8505]

Back in the 90s I walked quite a few miles too and from the garage I did my apprenticeship at. Over the two years my boss gave me a Renault 11 TSE. basically the non turbo version the Reno 5 Turbo engine. It had a head gasket issue which I fixed and had it skimmed and ports along with valves all cleaned up . It had a huge steering wheel, was super comfy and in the 7 years I owned it , it never let me down or had any rust anywhere It also had a 666 number plate which was cool . I traded it against a 89 Pontiac Trans Am plus cash . I still think about that 11 today and when I see those Reno turbo 5 cars it reminds me how much fun I had in mine

[@pauldolphin1940]

I had a Renault 11 TXE Electronic in 1991, one of the best cars i've owned, and i've had 100's

[@richardcarter1000]

Great to see Tiff. Fun little car. EVs bore me, but that classic is great

[@Czechbound]

We can't get enough of Tiff ! And always loved the Renault 5. I remember when they were being phased out, and all the special editions that came out

[@Drew67072]

I had no idea Tiff had another channel. Subbed and liked before I listened that’s how much respect I have for the man. At 68 years old He is like a mate you meet at the pub and chat about cars. Except he talks and I listen.

[@JasperD96]

Great to see classics running smoothly on synthetic!

[@michaelmiller5470]

I had blue 5 gordini, it was so much fun to drive I loved it, it fell to bits from rust, lost most of the rear end on the way to work one day, replaced it with a silver 5 Gordini turbo, fantastic car, miss it so much.

[@acg_psychotic]

Most fun car ive owned.

[@Sangamkr]

A comment just to say, we love Tiff

[@pauldolphin1940]

Used to pass one of these that had been sat on a drive for years in 1992, it was a french LHD 1983 Alpine import in blue, that a student doctor brought to the UK from France, that had been driven over and left for the tyres to go flat. After a few attempts i managed to buy it for £250! eventually got it running and stupidly sold it for £750 about 6 months later

[@vivianvaldi7871]

This car had a chassis trick that made it run in corners as if it had some heavy ground effect. It's like : U don't need to prepare anything, I will turn for you.

[@Pyjamarama11]

So many 'motoring journos' on KZbin scratching their nails on dashboards and complaining about cup holders Thank goodness for Tiff

[@MarksRandomVideos]

We had a little blue Gordini Turbo in the early 90s, what a fun car! I eventually got a GT Turbo in 99 and ended up running the GTT Owners Club for a bit in Scotland as well as doing some Crail runs! C648 Nxx is at least still alive last time I checked, one day I will get another!

[@adelagostini]

Simply the best! Like and subscription - Thanks for Tiff!

[@marcdelaunay1]

Always wondered why it’s Gordini Turbo in the UK….now I know….I had one and loved it….the NA version was sold as the Alpine in UK though…er……😅….loved mine against the XR2 and 3’s….loved the interior UK spec over the fords too…..beige velour corduroy recaros in mine, lovely orange on black dials…….lol😅

[@andrewberridge4630]

110bhp as standard. I owned one for 22 years. Fantastic car - miss it very much indeed! And I know one of the UK owners of this car, although it's been in a few people's hands since then. So many people make mistakes in the facts when reviewing these cars, unfortunately. Tiff was spot on, thankfully! Although I'd loved to have had more of an in-depth review of the car and its dynamics.

[@robbiepmusic]

110 is a lot for an 800kg car

[@andrewberridge4630]

It was 850Kg, from memory. Haha just checked. I got it right! And yes, it was a good amount. Quick for its day, and still reasonably rapid today! But the way it accelerated was the exciting thing. Very torquey off boost, but as the revs rose, the turbo pressure rose, quicker and quicker, until you felt you were flying! Lots and lots of fun, and very quick in gear. 50 to 70 was deceptively fast, for instance.

[@howardlake6178]

I think it was 110bhp, but something around there. When I looked at putting a 1.7 engine in my 1.5 Ti Alfasud, which weighs the same, 839kg, the 118bhp 1.7 would’ve given it a power to weight ratio the same as an original Lotus Elise! But would’ve ruined it with torque steer. So this little Renault, will fly 💙🤍❤

[@einsikallin]

I saw something new with Tiff in it, I clicked just to check it out at least, he still has it, wouldn't mind seeing more videos like this.

[@berikkloningan]

Good to see you again, Tiff

[@rogerhommas9750]

I've got an 5 for sale in Finland. 1,7 and big Turbo. Reg. as new car in ( EU ) 2001 with Kemira competition katalysator. New engine in 2001, 5 shift Scenic box, 4 times discbrakes and a good stereo... No cage. Civil drived by me after ~ 3 years of 8h runs on tarmac raceways.. 4900 euros.

[@ChillToMusic87]

Tiff Needle is the man! 👌🏼👍🏼😎

[@_Ben4810]

There was lad near us had one of these, Mummy & Daddy bought it brand new for him as his fist car from the fortunes they were making producing frozen dog food...!?! Ahhh, the 80's........

[@TassieLorenzo]

This is a beautifully made film! 😊

[@peterrobinson3440]

Lovely bit of nostalgia. Had a 5 GT Turbo back in 1988. E71 MJD I think. Would love to know if it still exists. Was fab to drive. Needed to let warm up before kicking the turbo in and was proud when the dealer did service that they said I was driving it correctly. Used to leave Porsches and Ferraris at the lights ...well at least those that did not know how to drive properly. Stuck to the road like glue. Once got pulled over by Police....they only wanted to know what it was like to drive 😁

[@FMFGUF]

It comes up as having been registered in April 1988 and not taxed since 1st October 1988 - used for approx. six months, then!!!

[@peterrobinson3440]

Thanks for that. sort of. Oh dear. Yes, only had it briefly as was a company car. Left the job so handed it back. Imagine some idiot then crashed it. what a shame. Guessing not many left. @@FMFGUF

[@johnshaw359]

Same car, bought mine from Radbourne Racing in '90. Fast as f', could take corners and bends at breakneck speeds.

[@robertlloyd7493]

Good lad Tiff 😊

[@firedustman]

nice to see Tiff again 😀😀

[@adrianlara442]

In Spain they were sold as "Copa" instead of Alpine or Gordini. My Renault mechanic owns one in blue.

[@kenphillips5221]

There is only one legend here and that is Tiff. Love the Renault though 😁

[@christiphermeadows5348]

My mate had one of these years back.....but it used to overheat a lot...

[@Mark.G475]

Always good to see Tiff! Cheer's from your cousins across the pond 🇺🇲

[@thomas05ish]

What EV future Tiff ? Private motorists aren’t buying EVs because they expensive,impractical, not kind to the environment and depreciation is horrendous. Loved the video. Any chance of testing a Renault 12 Gordini?

[@gregchambers943]

You forgot forced child labour and batteries die after a week and they give you cancer!

[@grantmail4112]

Tiff the legend 🏆

[@leebridge9187]

Love the A5 Turbo and Gordini. Something about the shape. Changing the rear plug is a nightmare. Part of my dream garage with a Renault 11 Turbo phase 2, clio Williams and 182 (I do have that one)

[@originalforgery]

Long open box spanner did the trick....👍👍

[@ThaDutchDK1989]

I have a 172 stored away ( most fun I’ve ever had with a car) would love a 182

[@Scout-nj7xj]

Tiff! 5 Stars!

[@Eimsbush1986]

Tiff needs to Drive the Streetversions of the Primera eGT P10 an Accord CC and CG. That would be Amazing Supertouring Memorys ❤️🔥

[@ObiePaddles]

Fifth Gear lost the plot when they changed the presenters and didn’t include Tiff.

[@thebigbowler]

Tiff is wearing very well indeed.

[@badly_dubbed2401]

I mind doing the brake pipe/bleed valve mod and side exit exhausts to these back in the day. Well, the second generation R5 Turbo.

[@PakdbyCellpak]

Used to daily one of these in the late 90’s. Great fun and very wheelspiiny due to turbo shove combined with odd back to front longitudinal engine gearbox layout meaning no weight over the front driven wheels. Steering was a bit awkward feeling like the joints were going through their maximum angles. Never turned off the ignition while driving 😂

[@ThaDutchDK1989]

My father had one and he said it had huge turbo lag due the very long inlet piping and big turbo ( bit to big for the power it makes) , but steered pretty good . And it has 110hp wich is pretty much for a car wich weighs 850kg and a 5 gt “only” had 120hp

[@mickl8212]

Wow Tiff, you're showing your age now. I wish he'd revisit the Integra Type R he drove for top gear back in 1998. That would be amazing!

[@Birmingham_racing]

I remember that video way too much understeer for my ears

[@mickl8212]

That's because everybody who drives them slates them and not how it's a proper drivers car then 😂

[@Android-vk8yh]

subscribed.I'm not saying I'm a Tiff stalker but I have missed him, he's the sophisticated Clarkson we all need. I was always a Ford man when the 5 came out but I loved the turbo. Can you get the synthetic fuel out on a masses? Would it mean that old sports cars we have in our garages can get past ulez?

[@gazorbo.]

2:07 - Only 500 hundred were made? I owed one from 1988 to 1995. I drove it hard all those years, motorways, mountain roads. I ended up blowing the turbo valve and the gasket and then sold it for almost nothing.

[@ThaDutchDK1989]

Wanted to hear a bit more about the car than the general chat it mostly had ( this video) luckily tiff had the facts right with being the first hot hatch

[@EvoraGT430]

Tiny, light, not quick, fantastic fun to drive, but very fragile. Love the wheels. Sadly a lot got ruined by (Dimma) body-kits.

[@iamyourfuture808]

err, no they didnt. Dima did not make a kit fir this car

[@originalforgery]

You're right@@iamyourfuture808

[@ThaDutchDK1989]

Lol you don’t even know where talk about 😂

[@Birmingham_racing]

Tiff can be 90 years old and drive better than 90% of drivers on the road

[@leviddesign4537]

Love Tim Needeless.

[@BrikMT]

I think I love Needles.

[@e28forever30]

Taking up sewing 🪡, are you?

[@Mk2fSaloon]

Junkies, eh...

[@BrikMT]

Growing up (well, getting bigger) and driving my Mom's Marina, Dolomite and Mk 2 Escort, it was always needles Needell I tried to emulate.

[@MrMattw975]

A lad I worked with bought 2 x Giordini turbo's to make one decent car out of. When he got it the inner wings were full of water & it handled like a fire engine. I think the finished car was more filler than metal :D

[@originalforgery]

Many a classic went the same way......

[@markmanderson]

man thats still pretty :) always wanted a Gordini

[@Miester7]

Car auction - only been driven in the dry and run on v-power 😂

[@TimAnderson-ef8tr]

I had one Reg number A303 HLU is it still out there?

[@Birmingham_racing]

Do a mot history check

[@TimAnderson-ef8tr]

@@Birmingham_racing Good Thinking, i did it and it's not on the road.

[@yowhatupmain]

R5 GT Turbo was the one

[@originalforgery]

Great car....

[@oliverm.7928]

It had 109 HP. The Just Carb Version had 93

[@magpie6648]

Tiff gets naughty and rides a car😮 DRIVES! 😂😂😂 You RIDE a bike..😊

[@michaelteret4763]

Why is there always a co-driver? I’d rather have just Tiff. Which is better, an R5 Turbo, or a 205 T16?

[@originalforgery]

I can answer that. On loose stuff. the T16. On Tarmac a Maxi Turbo would spank it. Personally, I preferred the simplicity of rear drive only. Having said that I did once dabble in the ratified atmosphere of 6R4's....

[@anthonychristian4807]

Y reg. 1982

[@kramnam4716]

Liked and not even watched yet!

[@TG-pd3ft]

Madness to take this old girl out on a wet day - you can almost see her rusting as it pootles along.

[@myname7284]

i thought it was peter leavey at first until i realised he wasnt a jokey

[@ciaranburke3243]

Never seen tiff so stressed driving a car 😂 cool little thing that new carbon neutral fuel is the way forward 👍

[@DRIVENByTom]

We love our P1 Fuel - TH

[@weedaviec]

Low capacity , low output, primitive technology- what's not to love?

[@ObiePaddles]

What are the émissions from the synthetic fuel?

[@DRIVENByTom]

No additional new emissions.

[@ObiePaddles]

@@DRIVENByTom so no particulates, carbon monoxide?

[@originalforgery]

Less than an EV.

[@ObiePaddles]

@@originalforgery specifically? A link would be good, cant find one.

[@originalforgery]

Less than an EV.....!@@ObiePaddles

[@danielatlas5544]

As carbon neutral as the electric,not even close,the electricity won't be made from carbon neutral sources and will be a lot higher to produce than that little R5 was so a lot better than the polluting electric car

[@andrewholt3849]

The Renault 5 Turbo is an iconic car. I have only heard of the Alpine name in conjunction with BMW cars that have been tuned-up and are desirable. As always you get lots of insider motoring and racing information with Tiff: Perhaps he would explain what 'heel and toe' is and why is it used, especially in down shifting gears and 'rev matching.' I asked Vicky Butler Henderson on her 'The Car Girl' channel about the new BMW M2. She never replies or comments on my posts on her channel.

[@DRIVENByTom]

'Heel and toe' is the skill of rocking your foot across the two pedals, assisting gear changes and braking.

[@ducatisp5ed888]

BMW is not alpine,it’s alpina a totally different company.

[@e28forever30]

@@ducatisp5ed888 Exactly.

[@andrewholt3849]

@@DRIVENByTom Doesn't really explain why it's done. I know the lower gears have more 'mechanical advantage' and can take more load to start a car moving and overcome inertia and in over-taking manoeuvres, but the trade-off is the revs increase. I realised later that it's Alpina with BMW. They could have mentioned it too.

[@andrewholt3849]

@@ducatisp5ed888 I realised it's the easily misquoted 'Alpina' later, perhaps Tiff should have mentioned it. They should definitely reply to comments! He, VBH, Harry Metcalf AKA Harry's Garage all have the same attitude: It's a sausage factory and money making enterprise and they couldn't GAF about the followers.

[@pipimontana]

5:45 best roof ever

[@markymark4357]

If Renault brought out the first renault 5, making it the first hot hatch, and then say that the golf came out a few months before ?????

[@moonliteX]

how has tiff been able to forget how to drive the cars of is youth?

[@paulratnage2663]

Great video & car. Shame the government didn’t spend the money on the synthetic fuel insert of shitty cameras, signs & other ulez waste of money. Surely that would have been better money spent & meet net zero.

[@pauljeffries]

Has tiff got alzeimers..he stalled it and then cut the ignition 3 time's lol 😂

[@AUCHTERMUCHTYZZ]

Great tae see ye Tiff

[@Reesycle]

Bought a Renault 5 Gordini in 1990, it lasted me all of 3 days before it shit itself and died. Have avoided french cars ever since.

[@fantastictime2780]

93BHP

[@bingoberra18]

Thats the NA version, the turbo was 110hp.

[@kasimirdenhertog3516]

So the power for this car is 110 hp

[@originalforgery]

110hp (turbo)

[@ThaDutchDK1989]

That’s non turbo .. turbo is 110hp

[@kasimirdenhertog3516]

@@originalforgery sorry, yes it's 110 hp. I looked up the Gordini, since that was mentioned, but indeed that was without turbo.

[@drobson8004]

Is it just me or is he a John Riggins.clone?

[@tobyholt4682]

Hilarious how Tiff tells us how to pronounce Alpeen…but then calls the famous Italian race MiGlia! It’s Meelya Tiff!

[@NeedellTiff]

Guilty!! Soon as I heard it I cringed but there are just those days when things slip out without noticing it ...

[@tobyholt4682]

@@NeedellTiff Feel guilty for “outing” you now. Watching some old Fifth Gear episodes. VBH pronouncing Murcielago! Same problem different day. Keep up the great work Tiff. One of the most entertaining presenters on motors.

[@christineayres7199]

Renault 5 turbo 2 was lots faster 165bhp 0-60 in 5.9 and 145mph top speed

[@originalforgery]

You want to drive one with 350hp......

[@christineayres7199]

@@originalforgery Metro 6R4 would be quicker basically had an XJ220 engine 3 litre V6 in a car weighing under 1000kg scary 😳

[@originalforgery]

Mmmmm, not sure about that, The 6R4 had around 400hp, the Maxi 5 around 350- 375hp but was a bit lighter. On the loose stuff, yes the 6R4 was a slightly quicker car - and it was slight. On a tarmac rally like the Monty the 5 would kill it - and the T16..@@christineayres7199

[@originalforgery]

I should add that the 220 had two turbo's, the 6R4 was naturally aspirated...Will Gollop would see to that though.....🤣🤣😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣@@christineayres7199

[@ThaDutchDK1989]

A Renault R25 F1 car is even faster with 850hp so what’s your point ?

[@grahamherbert3612]

There is no EV future. At least not as long as agricultural diesel is available.

[@RWL2012]

The registration plates have illegal character spacing. They should read JKM 652Y, not "JKM 652 Y".

[@LogitechXibanga]

224.000KM and needed a new engine? Pfft gasoline engines..... cant even get half the diesel engine life

[@SupermotoCentral]

Don't you drive a car instead of riding it😅

[@EssexCountyPhoto]

It was junk back then. It's still junk today. Pretending it's exotic is an absolute joke.

[@originalforgery]

Oh dear - oh well. never mind....... If you know. you know.....

[@KOL630]

Lol it is a cool car by design! Agree with the point about rose tinted vision of how good it was and this is exacerbated by greedy collectors buying them all up then talking up the prices. No normal people can afford these so called classic cheap hatches anymore and they’re bought by wealthy people who can afford better and should know better, that’s the real joke!

[@EssexCountyPhoto]

@@KOL630 My point was, having been brought up in France in the 70's, I've never seen one. Figures show over 5.2 million R5 built between 1972-85 and about... 24.000 of the R5 Alpine Turbo variant.

[@ThaDutchDK1989]

I have never seen mustang V8 so it’s junk and they didn’t sell. .. right … makes perfect sense men 🤣

[@KaptainKlunk1]

White smoke belching outta that.....WIDE.BIRTH ... that's not over fuelling

[@e28forever30]

Another legendary Gandini design. 🪦

[@originalforgery]

Close enough. Gandini designed (with Marc Deschamps) the mid engined 5 Turbo's and the later Supercinq (mk2 R5)