Renault 21 B48 2.1 D (70 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 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)

B48 Overview:

Renault 21 (B48). With 136 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7.5 l/100km). Weighing only 1100 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 four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Renault 21 (B48) was produced before Euro NCAP testing began in 1997, so no official safety rating is available. Safety features are basic by modern standards, typical for vehicles of its era.

2.1 D (70 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 2 stars

Performance Verdict

A very basic diesel offering, prioritizing economy over performance. Suitable for unhurried driving.

Fuel Economy

Very good fuel economy, a strong point for this engine, especially for those prioritizing low running costs.

Best Use Case: Economy / City

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Comfortable ride quality
  • • Spacious interior and large boot
  • • Wide range of engine options, including powerful turbos
  • • Distinctive and practical design
  • • Good value on the used market

Cons:

  • • Prone to rust, especially in older models
  • • Some electrical system quirks
  • • Basic safety features compared to modern cars
  • • Entry-level engines can feel underpowered
  • • Interior plastics can feel dated

Specifications:

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

General:
Brand:Renault
Model:21
Generation:B48
Modification (Engine):2.1 D (70 Hp)
Start of production:1989
End of production:1994
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:70 Hp @ 4500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:33.8 Hp/l [163mm 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:15.7 kg/Hp, 63.6 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:8.1 kg/Nm, 123.6 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:14.3 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1100
Max. weight:1570
Max load:470
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:490 l
Fuel tank capacity:66 l
Size:
Length:4530 mm mm [163mm 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 size185/55 R15
Wheel rims size15
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionTorsion

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