The Renault Symbol II 1.4 16V Automatic, produced between 2008 and 2012, is a compact sedan primarily aimed at the European and Turkish markets. Positioned as an affordable and practical vehicle, the Symbol II represented Renault’s entry-level offering in these regions, often serving as a budget-friendly alternative to larger, more expensive models. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding its specifications provides insight into the global automotive landscape of the late 2000s and early 2010s, particularly the emphasis on fuel efficiency and accessible transportation.
Renault Symbol II: An Overview
The Symbol II is the second generation of the Symbol, a model originally developed for emerging markets. It’s essentially a rebadged and updated version of the first-generation Clio Symbol, which itself was a stretched version of the Clio II. The Symbol II aimed to provide a comfortable and reliable sedan experience at a competitive price point. Its design and features were tailored to meet the needs of families and individuals seeking a practical and economical vehicle for daily use. The 1.4 16V engine with an automatic transmission was a popular configuration, offering a balance between performance and ease of driving.
Engine & Performance
The Renault Symbol II 1.4 16V is powered by a 1.39-liter (84.82 cubic inch) inline four-cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, designated K4J 712, produces 98 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 93.67 lb.-ft. of torque at 4250 rpm. While not a performance-oriented engine, it provides adequate power for everyday driving. The engine features a naturally aspirated intake and a multi-port fuel injection system. The power-to-weight ratio of 10.8 kg/Hp indicates a relatively modest performance capability. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 13.2 seconds, and the vehicle has a top speed of 111.85 mph (180 km/h). The four-speed automatic transmission offers convenient gear changes, though it contributes to slightly lower fuel economy compared to a manual transmission. Fuel consumption figures are rated at 32.2 US mpg combined (7.3 l/100 km), with 23.5 US mpg (10 l/100 km) in urban conditions and 40.6 US mpg (5.8 l/100 km) on the highway.
Design & Features
The Renault Symbol II is a traditional four-door sedan with a relatively conservative design. Its styling prioritizes practicality and affordability over bold aesthetics. The interior offers seating for five passengers and provides a reasonable amount of space for a vehicle in its class. The trunk offers 17.8 cubic feet (504 liters) of cargo space, sufficient for everyday needs. Safety features for the period included hydraulic power steering and ventilated front disc brakes, with drum brakes on the rear. The suspension system consists of an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and an independent coil spring arrangement at the rear, providing a comfortable ride quality. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 2336.9 lbs (1060 kg), and it has a maximum permissible weight of 3362.05 lbs (1525 kg). The Symbol II’s design reflects the market segment it occupied – a focus on providing a functional and reliable vehicle at an accessible price point.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Symbol |
| Generation | Symbol II |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 16V (98 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10 l/100 km (23.5 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 3 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 98 Hp @ 5700 rpm |
| Torque | 127 Nm @ 4250 rpm (93.67 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | K4J 712 |
| Engine displacement | 1390 cm3 (84.82 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 70 mm (2.76 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.8 l (5.07 US qt | 4.22 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1060 kg (2336.9 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1525 kg (3362.05 lbs.) |
| Max load | 465 kg (1025.15 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 504 l (17.8 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4261 mm (167.76 in.) |
| Width | 1940 mm (76.38 in.) |
| Height | 1439 mm (56.65 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 1940 mm (76.38 in.) |
| Front track | 1406 mm (55.35 in.) |
| Rear track | 1385 mm (54.53 in.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
In conclusion, the Renault Symbol II 1.4 16V Automatic was a practical and affordable sedan designed for the European and Turkish markets. While not a high-performance vehicle, it offered a comfortable ride, reasonable fuel economy, and a functional interior, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers.
