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Renault 21 Hatchback (L48) 2.1 D (70 Hp)
Overall Rating
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 136 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7.5 l/100km). Weighing only 1125 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 15.1 s). The top speed reaches 170 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.
2.1 D (70 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A slight improvement over the 1.9 D, but still prioritizes economy over brisk acceleration.
Fuel Economy
Very good fuel efficiency, ideal for those seeking low running costs.
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): | 2.1 D (70 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1989 |
| End of production: | 1994 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 70 Hp @ 4500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 33.8 Hp/l [233mm less] |
| Torque: | 136 Nm @ 2250 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | J8S More details about the engine J8S |
| Engine displacement: | 2068 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.1 l |
| Coolant: | 7.1 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 89 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 21.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 7.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 4.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 6.2 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 15.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 15.1 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 170 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 16.1 kg/Hp, 62.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.3 kg/Nm, 120.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 14.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1125 |
| Max. weight: | 1595 |
| Max load: | 470 |
| 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 Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
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