[6] Although the R19's exterior design (which was relatively conservative, like that of the Renault 9/11) received a muted response, it was praised for its interior comfort and handling.

The R19's platform and running gear would continue to be used in its replacement, the first generation Renault Mégane, which lasted for seven years.

The name "Chamade" wasn't used on Japanese-market saloons because it was deemed too similar to the Daihatsu Charade, so these were called "Europa" instead.

San Fu Motors in Taiwan began building two versions of the R19 locally in early 1990, aiming for a monthly output of 1,000 cars.

It had a distinctive air inlet on the bonnet (this did not appear on the earliest models), a rear spoiler, 15 inch Speedline SL401 alloy wheels, side skirts, twin headlamps, Recaro bucket seats with optional leather trim, four in one exhaust manifold and Bendix ABS braking system with optional trip computer, aircon and electric sunroof.

Its rev happy F7P engine, which, along with the advanced Renix ECU, made it faster and more fuel efficient compared to most competitors.

Period tests praised the car's handling on curvy roads but criticized its high speed stability and noise levels, in part due to very low gearing.

The catalysed model boasted 137 PS (101 kW; 135 hp) and a top speed of 215 km/h (134 mph), and a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 8.9 seconds.

Renault Sport used the 19 in the British Touring Car Championship in 1993, driven by Alain Menu and Tim Harvey.