Renault 21 Hatchback (L48) 1.7 i (95 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.3 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Renault 21:

The Renault 21 is a large family car produced by French automaker Renault between 1986 and 1994. It was also sold in North America initially through American Motors dealers as the Renault Medallion and later through Jeep-Eagle dealers as the Eagle Medallion. A total of 2,096,000 units were produced.
The Renault 21 saloon was launched in the beginning of 1986, as the successor to the successful Renault 18, and this was followed a few months later by the seven seater station wagon, the R21 Nevada, marketed as the Savanna in the United Kingdom. In 1987, What Car? awarded the Renault 21 GTS Best Family Saloon. The Renault 21 Savanna was awarded Car of the Year, as well as Best Family Estate....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Hatchback (L48) Overview:

Renault 21 (Hatchback (L48)). With 143 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.5 l/100km). Weighing only 1035 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.7 s). The top speed reaches 185 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.7 i (95 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

A lively petrol option, providing decent acceleration and responsiveness for daily driving.

Fuel Economy

Acceptable fuel economy for a petrol engine of its size and era, though not class-leading.

Best Use Case: Mixed / City

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Spacious and comfortable interior for its class
  • • Wide range of engines, from economical diesels to powerful turbos
  • • Smooth and compliant ride quality
  • • Distinctive styling for its era
  • • Good value on the used car market

Cons:

  • • Dated safety features compared to modern vehicles (no Euro NCAP rating)
  • • Some engines, especially the turbos, can be thirsty
  • • Build quality can be inconsistent on older models
  • • Not known for particularly sporty handling (except for turbo models)
  • • Potential for rust on older, less well-maintained examples

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Combi (K48): 1988 - 1990).

General:
Brand:Renault
Model:21
Generation:Hatchback (L48)
Modification (Engine):1.7 i (95 Hp)
Start of production:1989
End of production:1994
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:95 Hp @ 5200 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:55.2 Hp/l [233mm less]
Torque:143 Nm @ 3000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:F3N More details about the engine F3N
Engine displacement:1721
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:OHC
Engine oil capacity:5.3 l
Coolant:6 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:81 mm mm
Piston Stroke:83.5 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:10.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.5 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.7 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.7 sec
Maximum speed:185 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:10.9 kg/Hp, 91.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.2 kg/Nm, 138.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10.2 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1035
Max. weight:1530
Max load:495
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1290 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:420 l
Fuel tank capacity:66 l
Size:
Length:4460 mm mm [233mm less]
Width:1730 mm mm [4mm more]
Height:1415 mm mm [35mm less]
Wheelbase:2660 mm mm [149mm less]
Front track:1430 mm
Rear (Back) track:1400 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size175/70 R13
Wheel rims size13
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionTorsion

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