Renault 21 Combi (K48) 2.1 D (70 Hp) 4x4


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 136 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.3 l/100km). With a weight of 1315 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 16.1 s). The top speed reaches 164 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.

2.1 D (70 Hp) 4x4 Verdict:

Rating 2 stars

Performance Verdict

Very sluggish performance, further hampered by the 4x4 system, suitable only for very relaxed driving or utility tasks.

Fuel Economy

Decent fuel economy for a 4x4 diesel, but the significant performance penalty makes it a niche choice.

Best Use Case: Utility / All-weather (low speed)

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(Combi (K48): 1989 - 1994).

General:
Brand:Renault
Model:21
Generation:Combi (K48)
Modification (Engine):2.1 D (70 Hp) 4x4
Start of production:May, 1989
End of production:December, 1995
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:70 Hp @ 4500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:33.8 Hp/l [Same length.]
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:8.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.3 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:16.1 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:16.1 sec
Maximum speed:164 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:18.8 kg/Hp, 53.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:9.7 kg/Nm, 103.4 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:15.3 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1315
Max. weight:1835
Max load:520
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1694 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:674 l
Fuel tank capacity:62 l
Size:
Length:4693 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1726 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1450 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2809 mm mm [4mm more]
Front track:1454 mm
Rear (Back) track:1408 mm
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
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 size175/65 R14
Wheel rims size14
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionTorsion

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