Segment: Medium
Production years: 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989
8 Photos
The Renault 21 was a mid-size vehicle built by the French car-maker. It was offered as a 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback, or a station-wagon. It was sold in the U.S. as a Renault or Eagle Medallion.
The once-successful Renault 18 started to show its age and the sales started to drop. The French car-maker had to replace it and the answer was of two vehicles instead of one. The Renault 18 was replaced by the 19 and by the 21. Both ranges covered more than the 18 ever could. The ascending demand for compact-segment customers was diverted to the 19 and those who were looking for something bigger were attracted by the 21 model.
The Renault 21 came in three shapes, with up to seven seats for the station-wagon version. It was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the same mastermind that draws other successful vehicles for Lamborghini, Volkswagen, or Cadillac. An interesting feature for those times was the third side window installed behind the rear doors.
Inside, the Renault 21 featured a flat dashboard with an angular look that followed the exterior design language. It featured manual or automatic transmission, air-conditioning, power windows and brakes, and few choices for the stereo system.
Under the hood, the 21 featured an unusual configuration: the smaller engines were installed transversely while the powerful models were fitted with longitudinally-mounted units. Most of the R21 featured front-wheel-drive systems, but some models were all-wheel-drive.
RENAULT 21 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989
- 1.8L 5MT FWD (76 HP)
- 1.8L 5MT FWD (90 HP)
- 2.0L 5MT FWD (120 HP)
- 2.0L Turbo 5MT FWD (175 HP)
- 2.1d 5MT FWD (67 HP)
- 2.1Td 5MT FWD (89 HP)
RENAULT 21
1.8L 5MT FWD (76 HP)
ENGINE SPECS - 1.8L 5MT FWD (76 HP) | |
|---|---|
| Cylinders: | L4 |
| Displacement: | 1721 cm3 |
| Power: | 56 KW @ 5000 RPM 76 HP @ 5000 RPM 75 BHP @ 5000 RPM |
| Torque: | 93 lb-ft @ 3250 RPM 126 Nm @ 3250 RPM |
| Fuel System: | Carburetor |
| Fuel: | Gasoline |
| Fuel capacity: | 16.4 gallons (62.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed: | 106 mph (171 km/h) |
| Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 12.7 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
| Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Front: | Discs |
| Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Tire Size: | 155TR13 |
DIMENSIONS | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 182.8 in (4643 mm) |
| Width: | 67.2 in (1707 mm) |
| Height: | 56.2 in (1427 mm) |
| Front/rear Track: | 56.3/57.1 in (1,430/1,450 mm) |
| Wheelbase: | 110.6 in (2809 mm) |
| Ground Clearance: | 4.7 in (119 mm) |
| Cargo Volume: | 17.3 cuFT (490 L) |
| Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.33 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Unladen Weight: | 2238 lbs (1015 kg) |
| Gross Weight Limit: | 3373 lbs (1530 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
|---|---|
| City: | 25.8 mpg US (9.1 L/100Km) |
| Highway: | 31.8 mpg US (7.4 L/100Km) |
| Combined: | 32.2 mpg US (7.3 L/100Km) |
| CO2 Emissions: | 166.6 g/km |
RENAULT 21
1.8L 5MT FWD (90 HP)
ENGINE SPECS - 1.8L 5MT FWD (90 HP) | |
|---|---|
| Cylinders: | L4 |
| Displacement: | 1721 cm3 |
| Power: | 66 KW @ 5500 RPM 90 HP @ 5500 RPM 89 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
| Torque: | 100 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 135 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
| Fuel System: | Carburetor |
| Fuel: | Gasoline |
| Fuel capacity: | 16.4 gallons (62.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed: | 111 mph (179 km/h) |
| Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 11.5 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
| Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Front: | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Tire Size: | 175/70TR13 |
DIMENSIONS | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 182.8 in (4643 mm) |
| Width: | 67.2 in (1707 mm) |
| Height: | 56.2 in (1427 mm) |
| Front/rear Track: | 56.3/55.2 in (1,430/1,402 mm) |
| Wheelbase: | 110.6 in (2809 mm) |
| Ground Clearance: | 4.7 in (119 mm) |
| Cargo Volume: | 17.3 cuFT (490 L) |
| Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.33 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Unladen Weight: | 2337 lbs (1060 kg) |
| Gross Weight Limit: | 3627 lbs (1645 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
|---|---|
| City: | 26.1 mpg US (9 L/100Km) |
| Highway: | 33.6 mpg US (7 L/100Km) |
| Combined: | 33.1 mpg US (7.1 L/100Km) |
| CO2 Emissions: | 164.2 g/km |
RENAULT 21
2.0L 5MT FWD (120 HP)
ENGINE SPECS - 2.0L 5MT FWD (120 HP) | |
|---|---|
| Cylinders: | L4 |
| Displacement: | 1995 cm3 |
| Power: | 88 KW @ 5500 RPM 120 HP @ 5500 RPM 118 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
| Torque: | 124 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM 168 Nm @ 4500 RPM |
| Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
| Fuel: | Gasoline |
| Fuel capacity: | 16.4 gallons (62.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed: | 124.3 mph (200 km/h) |
| Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 9.7 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
| Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Front: | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Tire Size: | 185/65HR14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 175.7 in (4463 mm) |
| Width: | 67.2 in (1707 mm) |
| Height: | 55.7 in (1415 mm) |
| Front/rear Track: | 56.3/55.2 in (1,430/1,402 mm) |
| Wheelbase: | 102.4 in (2601 mm) |
| Ground Clearance: | 4.7 in (119 mm) |
| Cargo Volume: | 17.3 cuFT (490 L) |
| Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.32 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Unladen Weight: | 2425 lbs (1100 kg) |
| Gross Weight Limit: | 3417 lbs (1550 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
|---|---|
| City: | 22 mpg US (10.7 L/100Km) |
| Highway: | 33.1 mpg US (7.1 L/100Km) |
| Combined: | 29.8 mpg US (7.9 L/100Km) |
| CO2 Emissions: | 188 g/km |
RENAULT 21
2.0L Turbo 5MT FWD (175 HP)
ENGINE SPECS - 2.0L Turbo 5MT FWD (175 HP) | |
|---|---|
| Cylinders: | L4 |
| Displacement: | 1995 cm3 |
| Power: | 129 KW @ 5200 RPM 175 HP @ 5200 RPM 173 BHP @ 5200 RPM |
| Torque: | 199 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM 270 Nm @ 3000 RPM |
| Fuel System: | Turbocharged Multipoint Injection |
| Fuel: | Gasoline |
| Fuel capacity: | 16.4 gallons (62.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed: | 141 mph (227 km/h) |
| Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.4 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
| Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Front: | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Tire Size: | 195/55VR15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 177.1 in (4498 mm) |
| Width: | 67.5 in (1715 mm) |
| Height: | 54.1 in (1374 mm) |
| Front/rear Track: | 57.1/55.1 in (1,450/1,400 mm) |
| Wheelbase: | 102.2 in (2596 mm) |
| Ground Clearance: | 4.7 in (119 mm) |
| Cargo Volume: | 17.3 cuFT (490 L) |
| Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.31 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Unladen Weight: | 2637 lbs (1196 kg) |
| Gross Weight Limit: | 3605 lbs (1635 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
|---|---|
| City: | 21.8 mpg US (10.8 L/100Km) |
| Highway: | 28.7 mpg US (8.2 L/100Km) |
| Combined: | 27.4 mpg US (8.6 L/100Km) |
| CO2 Emissions: | 204.7 g/km |
RENAULT 21
2.1d 5MT FWD (67 HP)
ENGINE SPECS - 2.1d 5MT FWD (67 HP) | |
|---|---|
| Cylinders: | L4 |
| Displacement: | 2068 cm3 |
| Power: | 49 KW @ 4500 RPM 67 HP @ 4500 RPM 66 BHP @ 4500 RPM |
| Torque: | 94 lb-ft @ 2250 RPM 127 Nm @ 2250 RPM |
| Fuel System: | Indirect Injection |
| Fuel: | Diesel |
| Fuel capacity: | 16.4 gallons (62.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed: | 99 mph (159 km/h) |
| Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 15.6 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
| Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Front: | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Tire Size: | 175/70TR13 |
DIMENSIONS | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 175.7 in (4463 mm) |
| Width: | 67.2 in (1707 mm) |
| Height: | 55.7 in (1415 mm) |
| Front/rear Track: | 56.3/55.2 in (1,430/1,402 mm) |
| Wheelbase: | 102.4 in (2601 mm) |
| Ground Clearance: | 4.7 in (119 mm) |
| Cargo Volume: | 17.3 cuFT (490 L) |
| Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.33 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Unladen Weight: | 2370 lbs (1075 kg) |
| Gross Weight Limit: | 3384 lbs (1535 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
|---|---|
| City: | 29.8 mpg US (7.9 L/100Km) |
| Highway: | 39.2 mpg US (6 L/100Km) |
| Combined: | 37.9 mpg US (6.2 L/100Km) |
| CO2 Emissions: | 164.3 g/km |
RENAULT 21
2.1Td 5MT FWD (89 HP)
ENGINE SPECS - 2.1Td 5MT FWD (89 HP) | |
|---|---|
| Cylinders: | L4 |
| Displacement: | 2068 cm3 |
| Power: | 65.5 KW @ 4250 RPM 89 HP @ 4250 RPM 88 BHP @ 4250 RPM |
| Torque: | 134 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM 181 Nm @ 2000 RPM |
| Fuel System: | Turbocharged Indirect Injection |
| Fuel: | Diesel |
| Fuel capacity: | 16.4 gallons (62.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed: | 110 mph (177 km/h) |
| Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 11.8 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
| Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Front: | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Tire Size: | 175/70TR13 |
DIMENSIONS | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 182.8 in (4643 mm) |
| Width: | 67.2 in (1707 mm) |
| Height: | 56.2 in (1427 mm) |
| Front/rear Track: | 56.3/57.1 in (1,430/1,450 mm) |
| Wheelbase: | 108.3 in (2751 mm) |
| Ground Clearance: | 4.7 in (119 mm) |
| Cargo Volume: | 17.3 cuFT (490 L) |
| Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.33 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Unladen Weight: | 2657 lbs (1205 kg) |
| Gross Weight Limit: | 3968 lbs (1800 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
|---|---|
| City: | 28.3 mpg US (8.3 L/100Km) |
| Highway: | 35.1 mpg US (6.7 L/100Km) |
| Combined: | 35.1 mpg US (6.7 L/100Km) |
| CO2 Emissions: | 177.6 g/km |