Renault 21 Combi (K48) 2.2 i (107 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 170 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1190 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.7 s). The top speed reaches 186 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.

2.2 i (107 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Provides smooth and relaxed power delivery, making it suitable for comfortable, unhurried cruising.

Fuel Economy

The least fuel-efficient petrol option in the lineup, making it a thirstier choice for frequent use.

Best Use Case: Highway / Comfort

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:

General:
Brand:Renault
Model:21
Generation:Combi (K48)
Modification (Engine):2.2 i (107 Hp)
Start of production:1986
End of production:1993
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:107 Hp @ 5000 rpm.
Power per litre:49.4 Hp/l
Torque:170 Nm @ 3500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:J7T
Engine displacement:2165
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:OHC
Engine oil capacity:6.5 l
Coolant:5.7 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:88 mm
Piston Stroke:89 mm
Compression ratio:9.2:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.7 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.7 sec
Maximum speed:186 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:11.1 kg/Hp, 89.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7 kg/Nm, 142.9 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10.2 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1190
Max. weight:1735
Max load:545
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1694 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:674 l
Fuel tank capacity:66 l
Size:
Length:4693 mm
Width:1726 mm
Height:1450 mm
Wheelbase:2809 mm
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
Rear brakesDrum
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size185/65 R14 H
Wheel rims size14
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionTorsion

Behind the wheel of the Renault 21. How does it handle on the road?