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Renault 21 Hatchback (L48) 2.0 i Turbo (162 Hp) 4x4
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)
Hatchback (L48) Overview:
Renault 21 (Hatchback (L48)). With 260 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~12 l/100km). With a weight of 1350 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.6 s). The top speed reaches 217 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
2.0 i Turbo (162 Hp) 4x4 Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers impressive performance and excellent traction with its 4x4 system, making it a capable all-weather performer.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is significantly higher, reflecting its performance-oriented nature and AWD system.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and comfortable interior for its class
- • Wide range of engines, from economical diesels to powerful turbos
- • Smooth and compliant ride quality
- • Distinctive styling for its era
- • Good value on the used car market
Cons:
- • Dated safety features compared to modern vehicles (no Euro NCAP rating)
- • Some engines, especially the turbos, can be thirsty
- • Build quality can be inconsistent on older models
- • Not known for particularly sporty handling (except for turbo models)
- • Potential for rust on older, less well-maintained examples
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Combi (K48): 1988 - 1990).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Renault |
| Model: | 21 |
| Generation: | Hatchback (L48) |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.0 i Turbo (162 Hp) 4x4 |
| Start of production: | 1989 |
| End of production: | 1994 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 162 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 81.2 Hp/l [233mm less] |
| Torque: | 260 Nm @ 3000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | J7R 756 More details about the engine J7R 756 |
| Engine displacement: | 1995 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.5 l |
| Coolant: | 6.2 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 88 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 82 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 217 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.3 kg/Hp, 120 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.2 kg/Nm, 192.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1350 |
| Max. weight: | 1800 |
| Max load: | 450 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1290 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 420 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 62 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4460 mm mm [233mm 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: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/55 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Renault 21!