Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Renault 21 Combi (K48) 2.1 D (70 Hp)
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)
Combi (K48) Overview:
Renault 21 (Combi (K48)). With 136 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7.5 l/100km). Weighing only 1150 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 15.1 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) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Very modest performance, primarily suited for relaxed driving and urban environments, struggles on faster roads.
Fuel Economy
Good fuel economy for a naturally aspirated diesel, making it a very cost-effective choice for high mileage.
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): 1988 - 1990).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Renault |
| Model: | 21 |
| Generation: | Combi (K48) |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.1 D (70 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: | 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: | 7.5 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: | 15.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 15.1 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 164 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 16.4 kg/Hp, 60.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.5 kg/Nm, 118.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 14.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1150 |
| Max. weight: | 1750 |
| Max load: | 600 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1694 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 674 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 66 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4693 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1723 mm mm [3mm less] |
| Height: | 1450 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2809 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1454 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1408 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
What’s the best feature of the Renault 21? Tell us in the comments!