Renault 21 Combi (K48) 2.0 i 12V (136 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.9 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 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)

Combi (K48) Overview:

Renault 21 (Combi (K48)). With 174 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1215 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.6 s). The top speed reaches 203 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

2.0 i 12V (136 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Nearly identical to the 140hp variant, offering robust and engaging performance for spirited driving.

Fuel Economy

Similar fuel consumption to the 140hp, making it a thirsty but rewarding choice for enthusiasts.

Best Use Case: Performance / Highway

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Spacious interior and very large boot capacity (up to 1694 litres)
  • • Comfortable ride quality, typical of French cars of its era
  • • Wide range of engines, from economical diesels to powerful petrols
  • • Available 4x4 (Quadra) models offered enhanced traction
  • • Good value for money as a used family estate

Cons:

  • • Dated interior design and materials by modern standards
  • • Some petrol engines can be quite thirsty, especially the larger ones
  • • Handling is competent but not as sharp as some contemporary rivals
  • • Rust can be a significant issue on older, unmaintained examples
  • • Lack of modern safety features and driver aids

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Hatchback (L48): 1988 - 1994).

General:
Brand:Renault
Model:21
Generation:Combi (K48)
Modification (Engine):2.0 i 12V (136 Hp)
Start of production:1989
End of production:1994
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:136 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:68.2 Hp/l [233mm more]
Torque:174 Nm @ 4300 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:J7R More details about the engine J7R
Engine displacement:1995
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:3
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:OHC
Engine oil capacity:5.5 l
Coolant:6.8 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:88 mm
Piston Stroke:82 mm
Compression ratio:9.3:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:12.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.4 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:9.6 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:9.6 sec
Maximum speed:203 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.9 kg/Hp, 111.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7 kg/Nm, 143.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:9.1 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1215
Max. weight:1740
Max load:525
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1694 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:674 l
Fuel tank capacity:66 l
Size:
Length:4693 mm [233mm more]
Width:1726 mm [4mm less]
Height:1450 mm [35mm more]
Wheelbase:2805 mm [145mm more]
Front track:1454 mm
Rear (Back) track:1408 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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