9. Renault 16
Today, the hatchback body style is common. In fact, almost all car companies produce at least one model in this configuration. But, what was the first car to feature the third/fifth door layout? Was it the Volkswagen Golf Mk1? No, it was the Renault 16 from way back in 1965.
Renault introduced it as a modern family sedan. The Renault 16 took the concept of a semi-station wagon from the smaller Renault 4. They added more glass and a bigger hatch to create the world’s first hatchback body style. They marketed it as a practical yet stylish compromise between a sedan and a wagon. It proved popular and extremely influential.
Besides being innovative, the Renault 16 was also a good family car delivering impressive performance, solid suspension and impressive handling. It was popular in the domestic and other European markets, even selling in Canada.