Renault 21 B48 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)
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.
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:
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.
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 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 | 185/55 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |

















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