Cars for remembrance: Renault 21 2L Turbo (Buying Guide)

The Renault 21 2L Turbo was a very fast, stable and ideal saloon if it did not matter that the high performance had a very sporty look. We tell their story and a buying guide.

Renault 21 2L Turbo: history and photos of a mythical saloon

Under different criteria, perhaps we could say that 21 2L Turbo was the best Renault turbo, he best sports brand in the Last century and one of the best cars in its category by dynamic qualities: stability in slow, fast, braking roads and, above all, by the impressive engine thrust. Almost delay turbo response thanks to savor in advance what will happen when he steps on the right pedal of this saloon.

There will also be those who say that grounded silhouette Taxi Charge (when taxis had that figure): a matter of taste and, in any case, never driving the shapes of the bodies were noted. And this It was always a car to drive. Who preferred glamor, distinction and those other things, I was sure better alternatives. And who today decided to seek one classic, you should be aware that There are not many for sale (Even in France) and it is not easy to find a good unit, Some have suffered a lot.

Also keep in mind that as buying second (at least) hand, the Renault 21 2L Turbo is a car that requires affection, dedication and tolerance. It was a marvel of quality in their dayThere are a number of small failures with which any owner has soured, though the guilt that have to deliver the car … and the owner.

If the front-wheel drive version is hard to find today the Quadra further. Except for those who have a specific need for all-wheel drive that uses where it usually snows, not worth putting much effort to locate one. Front-wheel drive version was already very good stability and sufficient motor skills, always clear who used either the main traction control: right pedal.

Renault 21 2L Turbo engine

He saloon motor is of the type Douvrin (J7R.7.52 without catalyst) of four cylinders, 2-liter 175 hp and camshaft, camshaft, hemispherical chamber, Renix electronic injection, Garret T3 turbocharger blowing to 0.9 bar and two intercooler. The engine itself was always tough, if it fails usually by peripheral elements, such as the expansion vessel. To get one, you have to look at that no cracks around the top and that there has been no leakage.

One of the worst possible problems is the turbocharger. In any car about 150,000 km have to fear the worst (And check). Up to do two things: one is full throttle from low speed in 3rd or 4th, and when the engine has reached about 3,000 see if the gauge on the instrument reaches the last stripe which are more widely spaced (on “or” of “Turbo”). If it does, it is not giving the pressure due. The other is that someone look If, at the time of accelerating so, does not come out blue exhaust smoke. If you exit, surely the turbine shaft is loose and enters compressor oil. The first problem may be a loss of air in one of the ducts, especially ranging from compressor intercooler. The second requires changing or rebuilding the turbo. The discharge valve is fragile; If the gauge is passed large scale, you have to slow the march and make sure it is not locked (can end up with the turbo and intercoolers).

body

The original painting was no wonder and usually He has aged badly, especially dark colors. If the hood is damaged, it’s probably because the plate heat protection of turbo failure. In any case lI paint problems are easier to solve. Whoever wants to have the car as it was originally, stop black color frame front air inlet and the strip under the headlights of black color. Specific Turbo external elements are difficult to find, it is usually easier to repair than replace them.

the frame

No frequent complaints about the transmission. At Quadra usually if any of the clutch life, but it seems more product misuse that unreliability. On the front axle, the more problems are to be considered in the subframe corrosion and deformation or breakage in the upper suspension support. The rear dampers usually worn before the front and also both anchorages may have corrosion. The forwards are very expensive and hard to find.

Is very important to note the wheel wear, especially in front. Not only the two front wheels have a similar impairment also the band each has it uniform. Must also be earrings bearing noise (Clutchless up on a bit noisy asphalt), several users say they wear out soon.

He antilock brakes can be a problem. First you have to check the witness box, although you may stay on and really not really be a problem with the brakes. So you have to check it out, is enough hard braking at about 40 km / h (warning to those who go in the car). Whether or not the operation is defective or abnormal noises, there are many possible causes, from most to least cheap: dirty contact relays, air circuit, accumulator pressure sensors on the wheels and hydraulic unit.

The history of Renault 21 2L Turbo, in dates

1987: Presentation first Renault 21 2L Turbo, known as Phase 1 (unofficially) with the front would have the rest of the range 21 later. Had a 2.0 liter engine and 175 hp maximum power.

1989: 21 2L Turbo Phase 2 receives the other amendments of the range but not easy to distinguish it from the Phase 1 out. One of the few distinctive details is the retroreflecting strip between the taillights.

1990Shortly after the launch of Phase 2 Quadra arrives, with AWD by an asymmetric planetary center differential.

1992Shortly before termination of production sold the call Phase 3, with few changes in equipment and catalysed low engine to 162 hp and loses a lot of drive.

Renault 21 2L Turbo: Data Sheet

Motor4 cylinders in line.

displacement: 1,995 cm³.

Feeding: Electronic injection Renix.

Power175 DIN hp at 5,200 rpm.

Transmission: Front-wheel drive and 5-speed manual gearbox.

Front suspension: Independent McPherson.

rear suspension: Wheel pulled by longitudinal arms, torsion bars.

Wheel: 195/55 VR 15.

Length x WIDTH X HEIGHT4.50 x 1.72 x 1.40 meters.

Battle: 2.60 meters.

weighing: DIN 1195 kg.

Maximum speed227 km / h.

Acceleration 0-100 km / h7.4 s.

ECE consumption6.7 / 8.2 / 10.8 l / 100km.