The Rancho was launched in 1977, and became a popular model, but this did not alleviate larger problems at Chrysler Europe (Simca's parent company).

Other elements retained from the 1100 included the dashboard and front seats (identical to the ones found in the Simca 1100 GLS).

[4] The Rancho X was the upscale model, with additional standard items such as alloy wheels and metallic paint.

Finally, the Rancho AS was the commercial version, with no rear seat, making it exempt from the French tax on passenger cars.

Determined to take its design to production Matra knocked on Renault's door and they quickly adopted the project, one that upon its launch in 1984 arguably became the first European minivan.