Renault 21 Hatchback (L48) 2.2 i (110 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.3 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 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)

Hatchback (L48) Overview:

Renault 21 (Hatchback (L48)). With 169 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.8 l/100km). Weighing only 1120 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.9 s). The top speed reaches 192 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.

2.2 i (110 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers a slight power advantage over the 2.0i, resulting in confident acceleration and good cruising ability.

Fuel Economy

Similar fuel economy to the 2.0i, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

Best Use Case: Mixed / Highway

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(Hatchback (L48): 1988 - 1994).

General:
Brand:Renault
Model:21
Generation:Hatchback (L48)
Modification (Engine):2.2 i (110 Hp)
Start of production:1989
End of production:1994
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:110 Hp @ 5000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:50.8 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:169 Nm @ 3500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:J7T More details about the engine 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:9.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:11.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:9.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:9.9 sec
Maximum speed:192 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:10.2 kg/Hp, 98.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.6 kg/Nm, 150.9 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:9.4 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1120
Max. weight:1610
Max load:490
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1290 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:420 l
Fuel tank capacity:66 l
Size:
Length:4460 mm [Same length.]
Width:1730 mm [Same width.]
Height:1415 mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2660 mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1430 mm
Rear (Back) track:1400 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 size185/65 R14
Wheel rims size14
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionTorsion

Better than its competitors? Tell us why the Renault 21 stands out.