Model Renault 21 debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 1986 in the guise of a sedan. A few months later, the body range was supplemented by a modification of the "wagon", and in 1989 began production of hatchbacks. The body design is rather laconic, but at the same time harmonious and not without originality and charm.
The driver's seat has excellent ergonomics and has an exquisite design for a car of those years. The interior is spacious, the place is quite enough for both those sitting in the front and rear passengers. Soft seats dampen tremors transmitted to the body from road irregularities. Six months later, there was a version with a station wagon and permanent all-wheel drive, under its own name Nevada. The wheelbase of the station wagon is 150 mm larger, so that inside it is much more spacious than the sedan and hatchback. But the main advantage of Nevada is that this car has one of the largest luggage compartments, and not only among classmates (675 - 1920 l).
In the modification of the Familiale car can accommodate up to seven people. Wagon Nevada turned out wide, comfortable and economical in fuel consumption, due to which he enjoyed increased demand. A solid, reliable front wheel drive Renault 21 with a longitudinal or transverse engine (depending on the model) was a success not only in France. Initially, it was proposed immediately 11 versions of the sedan with five engines.
Today, the body contours with wide impact-resistant bumpers look angular and inconsistent. The instrument panel is comfortable, but made in the traditional style of the 80s: with straight planes mated at different angles, but all the devices are clearly visible. Steering due to the hydraulic booster and the negative shoulder running in the front wheels is very light. Front suspension - McPherson, rear - torsion spring. Provides sufficient comfort and at the same time very stably maintains the position of the body above the road, also contributing to better handling. But the ground clearance is small - only 120 mm. The brakes are reliable and equipped with ABS.
Powertrain Renault 21 are considered very durable. Especially the F2N engine, which has a transverse arrangement. With a working volume of 1.72 liters with a carburetor (regular or double) it provides power from 76 to 90 hp, and with injection and 95 hp. The 2.0-liter engine of the J7R series was installed longitudinally, and with the injection system it developed 120 hp. The 2.1-liter J8S supercharged diesel engines (88 hp) and without (67 hp) were also popular. Manual gearbox used 4 - and 5-speed.
In June 1987, the most powerful modification appeared with a 175-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, with which the car developed a speed of 227 km / h and accelerated to a hundred in 7.4 seconds. In February 1988, the all-wheel drive version of the 21 Nevada appeared with a 2.2-liter 110-horsepower injector. In early 1989, the Renault 21 began to install a 4-band "automatic". In September of the same year, a five-door hatchback with a new 2.0-liter engine producing 105 hp appeared in the family 21. The power of the atmospheric 2.1-liter diesel engine was raised to 70 hp.
In 1989, Renault 21 was upgraded: the front end got rounded contours, and rectangular headlights were replaced with oblique. The body, except for the rear door wagon began to galvanize. Renault 21 has established itself as an inexpensive, reliable, comfortable, family car. Nevertheless, he did not justify the high hopes of their creators. Interest in the "twenty-first" sedans and hatchbacks quickly faded after the appearance of Renault 19.
Only Nevada station wagons during the entire period of production models continued to enjoy consistently high demand.
