Diamond with squares on the hood: what brand of car is hidden behind this logo?

First logo Renault appeared in 1900 and was a monogram of intertwined initials of the company’s founders - Louis, Marcel and Fernand Renault. The modern diamond with squares was introduced in 1972 and has undergone several modifications since then, but the general concept has remained the same. Today this sign is displayed on all models of the concern, from compact hatchbacks to cargo vans.

Interestingly, inside a rhombus there are usually three squares arranged in the shape of a triangle. This symbolizes the company's three key areas of activity: automobile manufacturing, aviation industry (formerly) and sports achievements. Although today Renault no longer involved in aviation, the logo retains its historical connection with this segment.

If you see a car with this emblem, there is a high probability that you are looking at one of the following types of vehicles:

• 🚗 Passenger cars (for example, Renault Logan, Renault Duster, Renault Arkana)
• 🚐 Commercial vehicles (for example, Renault Kangoo, Renault Master)
• 🏁 Sports models (for example, Renault Alpine or racing prototypes)
• 🔌 Electric vehicles (for example, Renault Zoe, Renault Twingo Electric)

The evolution of the Renault logo: how the diamond with squares changed

Logo Renault - one of the longest-lasting in the automotive industry. Over more than 120 years, it has undergone many changes, reflecting both design trends and strategic changes of the company. Let's look at the key stages of its evolution.

The table below shows the main versions of the logo that can be found on cars of different years of production. This will help you determine the approximate age of the car from the emblem if other identifiers (such as the VIN) are not available.

If you see a car with a logo that doesn't match the modern design (for example, with horizontal stripes instead of squares), it could either be a vintage model or a fake. In the latter case, you should be wary, especially if the seller positions the car as new.

How to distinguish the original Renault logo from a fake?

Unfortunately, scammers often counterfeit emblems of popular brands in order to pass off cheap or damaged cars as original ones. Logo Renault was no exception. Here are a few signs by which you can recognize a fake:

The first thing you should pay attention to is quality of workmanship. Original emblems are made from high-quality materials: as a rule, it is chrome-plated plastic or metal with durable fixation. Counterfeits are often made from cheap plastic, which may have burrs, jagged edges, or a dull shine.

The second is color and arrangement of squares. In the original logo, three squares are arranged strictly in the shape of a triangle, and their size and proportions are clearly verified. For fakes, the squares may be offset, have different sizes or unclear boundaries. Also pay attention to the color: original emblems usually have a uniform chrome or matte shade, without stains or scuffs (unless the car has been in an accident).

The third sign is fastening method. Original emblems Renault are fixed to the body using special latches or screws, which are difficult to remove without damage. If the emblem is held on by double-sided tape or comes off easily when pressed, this is a sure sign of a fake.

What else should you be wary of:

• 🔍 The emblem is too shiny or, conversely, looks dull (the original has a balanced shine)
• 📏 Squares inside a diamond have blurry edges or are not symmetrical
• 🔧 There is no factory marking on the back of the emblem or it has been erased
• 💰 The seller refuses to provide documents confirming the originality of the parts

⚠️ Attention: Fraudsters often forge not only emblems, but also documents for the car. If, when checking through the traffic police or official service Renault the data does not match, refuse the deal - even if the car looks perfect.

On which Renault models does the logo appear non-standard?

In most cases the logo Renault located on the front of the hood or radiator grille. However, there are models where the logo is located differently - this can be confusing when identifying the car. Let's consider such cases.

For example, on some sports versions such as Renaultsport Mégane or Renault Alpine A110, a diamond with squares can be integrated into the radiator grille or even applied to the side of the body. In the case of Alpine The logo is often made in blue, which distinguishes it from the standard silver or black version.

Another interesting case is electric cars. Renault, for example, Zoe or Twingo Electric. On them, the logo can be made in matte black and located on the charging panel or the rear of the body. This is due to the fact that electric cars often lack a traditional radiator grille.

Also worth mentioning are commercial vehicles such as Renault Master or Renault Trafic. On vans, the emblem may be on the front doors or even on the roof (in the case of minibuses). This is done for better visibility of the logo from different angles.

If you see a car with a diamond and squares in an unexpected place, do not rush to conclusions that it is a fake. First, check the model for other characteristics:

• 🔧 Shape of headlights and taillights
• 📋 Inscriptions on the body (for example, dCi for diesel models or E-Tech for hybrids)
• 🔑 Shape of the ignition key (new models often have keyless access)

Study the shape of the rhombus - the original has clear corners, without roundings

Check the number of squares - there should be exactly three of them

Pay attention to the fastening - the original is fixed with screws or latches

Compare the color of the emblem with the official photos of the model on the Renault website

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Why is the diamond with squares sometimes confused with the logos of other brands?

Despite the uniqueness, the logo Renault sometimes confused with emblems of other automakers. This happens for several reasons: ignorance of brands, similarity of shapes, or deliberate misrepresentation (for example, when selling counterfeit spare parts). Let's look at the most common cases.

One of the most common “doubles” is the logo Mitsubishi, which is also a combination of geometric shapes. However, Mitsubishi it's three red diamonds put together, rather than one diamond with squares inside. In addition, the emblem of a Japanese brand is usually red, while Renault prefers silver or black shades.

Another confusion arises with the logo Diamond Star Motors (joint venture Mitsubishi and Chrysler in the 1980s–1990s). Their emblem really resembled a rhombus, but it has not been used for a long time, and can only be found on rare cars.

Sometimes a diamond with squares is confused with an emblem Alfa Romeo, especially when viewed from afar. However, the Italian brand’s logo is a circle with a cross and a snake - nothing to do with geometric shapes Renault. The similarity may arise due to the chrome finish of both emblems.

To avoid confusion, remember the key differences:

• 🔺 Renault: one diamond with three squares inside, usually silver or black
• 🔴 Mitsubishi: three diamonds, folded together, red
• 🐍 Alfa Romeo: circle with cross and snake, often with red and green colors
• ⚡ DS Automobiles (sister brand Citroën): diamond, but without squares, with chrome trim

Where else can you find a diamond with squares besides cars?

Logo Renault so recognizable that the company uses it not only on cars. It is present on the products of other divisions of the concern, as well as in marketing campaigns. Here's where else you can find a diamond with squares:

1. Renault Sport is the brand’s sports division, which deals with racing cars and tuning production models. Here the logo is often made in black or blue and can be supplemented with the inscription R.S. or Renaultsport.

2. Renault Trucks - a division specializing in the production of trucks. The logo on such vehicles is usually larger and may have additional elements indicating the cargo nature of the vehicle.

3. Renault Samsung Motors - Korean unit, where a diamond with squares is combined with the inscription Samsung. These machines are sold primarily in Asian markets.

4. Merchandise and accessories: the emblem can be found on clothes, phone cases, toys and even on furniture in branded showrooms Renault. Often such goods become the object of counterfeiting, so you should buy them only from authorized dealers.

5. Charging stations for electric vehicles: Renault is actively developing the infrastructure for its electric cars, and the diamond with squares can be seen on chargers, especially in France and Europe.

If you see a diamond with squares on non-automotive products, it is not necessarily a counterfeit. Perhaps this is a product from a merchandise line or equipment for service centers Renault. However, if the emblem is applied to cheap accessories of dubious quality (for example, in Chinese markets), you should doubt their originality.

Practical guide: how to identify a Renault model by its logo?

If you see a car with a diamond and squares, but don’t know its model, you can try to identify it by several criteria. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Pay attention to the body shape. U Renault There is a clear division by type:

• 🚗 Hatchbacks: Clio, Mégane, Zoe (compact cars with short trunk)
• 🚘 Sedans: Logan, Fluence, Talisman (extended body with separate trunk)
• 🏜️ Crossovers: Duster, Kadjar, Arkana, Austral (increased ground clearance, plastic lining)
• 🚐 Station wagons and vans: Scénic, Kangoo, Master (large luggage compartment volume)

Step 2: Examine the front of the car. The shape of the headlights and radiator grille often suggests the model:

• 💡 C-shaped daytime running lights are a sign Mégane or Clio last generations
• 🔦 Vertical headlights along the edges - typical for Duster or Kadjar
• 🌟 Narrow LED headlights - most likely Arkana or Austral

Step 3: Look at the back. The shape of the rear lights and the inscriptions on the trunk will help clarify the model:

• 🔥 Caption dCi - diesel engine (often on Logan or Duster)
• ⚡ Inscription E-Tech - hybrid or electric version
• 🏁 Caption R.S. or Renaultsport — sports modification

Step 4: Check the VIN. If you cannot visually identify the model, find the VIN code (usually located on the driver's side windshield or on the door pillar) and check it through an official service Renault:

https://www.renault.ru/owners/vin-decoder.html

Determine body type (hatchback, sedan, crossover, etc.)

Study the shape of the headlights and grille

Look at the taillights and the lettering on the trunk

Find the VIN and check it through the official decoder

Compare the appearance of the car with the catalog on the Renault website

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⚠️ Attention: Some models Renault may have different names for different markets. For example, Renault Symbol in Europe known as Renault Thalia, and in some countries it is sold under the name Nissan Almera (due to partnership Renault-Nissan). Always check the full model name using the VIN code.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Renault logo