The Renault Symbol III 1.5 dCi (75 Hp) FAP is a compact sedan produced by Renault between 2013 and 2017. Primarily marketed in regions outside of North America, particularly in Turkey, North Africa, and parts of Eastern Europe, the Symbol occupied a crucial position in Renault’s budget-oriented vehicle lineup. It served as a more affordable alternative to the Clio, offering a practical and economical transportation solution. The “III” designation indicates it was the third generation of the Symbol, a nameplate with roots in the first-generation Clio. This model aimed to provide a spacious interior and fuel-efficient diesel power, catering to buyers prioritizing value and practicality.
Renault Symbol III 1.5 dCi: An Overview
The Symbol III was designed to appeal to families and individuals seeking a reliable and cost-effective vehicle. It distinguished itself through its generous trunk space and relatively low running costs, thanks to its efficient diesel engine. While not known for sporty performance, the Symbol III prioritized comfort and ease of driving. The inclusion of a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), indicated by the “FAP” designation, demonstrates Renault’s efforts to meet increasingly stringent European emission standards. The vehicle’s design was conservative, focusing on functionality rather than radical styling.
Engine & Performance
The Renault Symbol III 1.5 dCi (75 Hp) FAP is powered by a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated K9K 612. This engine produces 75 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 200 Nm (147.51 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1750 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance performance and efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 14.6 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in 13.9 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 164 km/h (101.9 mph). The engine’s fuel consumption is rated at 3.9 liters per 100 kilometers (60.3 US mpg or 72.4 UK mpg) on a combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 103 g/km, meeting Euro 5 b+ emission standards. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 14.1 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 5.3 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Renault Symbol III is a four-door sedan with a traditional body style. It offers seating for five passengers and features a relatively spacious interior for its class. The trunk provides a minimum capacity of 510 liters (18.01 cu. ft.), expanding to 1257 liters (44.39 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4348 mm (171.18 in.), width 1733 mm (68.23 in.), and height 1517 mm (59.72 in.). The wheelbase measures 2634 mm (103.7 in.). Standard safety features included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The Symbol III’s design prioritized practicality and affordability, with a focus on providing a comfortable and functional interior. The exterior styling was understated, aiming for broad appeal rather than a distinctive aesthetic.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Symbol |
| Generation | Symbol III |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 dCi (75 Hp) FAP |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg, 64.2 UK mpg, 22.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.7 l/100 km (63.6 US mpg, 76.3 UK mpg, 27 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 3.9 l/100 km (60.3 US mpg, 72.4 UK mpg, 25.6 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 103 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 164 km/h (101.9 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 b+ |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1750 rpm (147.51 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | K9K 612 |
| Engine displacement | 1461 cm3 (89.16 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1059 kg (2334.7 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1590 kg (3505.35 lbs.) |
| Max load | 531 kg (1170.65 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 510 l (18.01 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1257 l (44.39 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1100 kg (2425.08 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 565 kg (1245.61 lbs.) |
| Length | 4348 mm (171.18 in.) |
| Width | 1733 mm (68.23 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1994 mm (78.5 in.) |
| Height | 1517 mm (59.72 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2634 mm (103.7 in.) |
| Front track | 1493 mm (58.78 in.) |
| Rear track | 1476 mm (58.11 in.) |
| Front overhang | 814 mm (32.05 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 900 mm (35.43 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 155 mm (6.1 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.82 m (35.5 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Tire size | 185/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Renault Symbol III 1.5 dCi (75 Hp) FAP, while not a performance vehicle, offered a compelling package of affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality for buyers in its target markets. Its focus on essential features and low running costs made it a popular choice for those seeking a reliable and economical mode of transportation.
