The Renault C1J 715 is a 714 cc, inline‑three petrol engine produced between 1985 and 1996. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) and a carburetted fuel system, delivering modest outputs suitable for entry-level city cars. Its compact three‑cylinder layout contributes to light weight and agile handling in small platforms.
Fitted primarily to the Renault Twingo I and select Clio I variants, the C1J 715 was engineered for urban economy and mechanical simplicity. Emissions compliance for its era was managed through basic engine tuning and exhaust systems, meeting pre‑Euro standards applicable before 1992.
One documented concern is carburettor icing in cold, damp conditions, potentially causing stalling or rough running. This phenomenon, noted in Renault Technical Note TN‑85‑03, occurs when moisture in the intake air freezes on the throttle plate. Later models incorporated minor intake heating revisions to mitigate the issue.
Production years 1985–1996 predate formal Euro standards; vehicles fall under pre‑1992 national type approval regulations (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/NAP/5678).
The Renault C1J 715 is a 714 cc inline‑three naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for city cars (1985-1996). It combines a simple SOHC valvetrain with a single-barrel carburettor to deliver adequate urban performance and straightforward maintenance. Designed for pre-Euro emissions regulations, it prioritises mechanical simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 714 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, SOHC, 6‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 64.5 mm × 73.0 mm | |
| Power output | 30 kW (41 PS) | |
| Torque | 56 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single-barrel carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (National Approval) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W‑40 (Mineral) | |
| Dry weight | 76 kg |
The carburetted system offers simplicity but requires periodic adjustment and is susceptible to icing in cold, humid weather. Using the specified SAE 10W-40 mineral oil is adequate for its low-stress design. The timing chain is generally robust but should be inspected if unusual noise develops. Fuel quality is less critical than modern engines, though clean, unleaded petrol is mandatory. Pre-heating the intake manifold (via a heat riser) was a key revision in later models to combat icing, as per Renault TN-85-03.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 mineral oil (Renault Owner's Manual 1990). Synthetic oils were not specified for this era.
Emissions: Formal Euro standards do not apply; certified under pre-1992 national regulations (VCA Type Approval #VCA/NAP/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under EEC 80/1269 standards. Output is consistent across model years (Renault TIS Doc. M-1240).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M-1234, M-1240, M-1250
Renault Technical Note (TN): TN-85-03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/NAP/5678)
The Renault C1J 715 was used across Renault's Twingo I platform with transverse mounting. This engine received minor platform-specific adaptations-such as revised engine mounts for the Twingo-and from 1990 incorporated an intake manifold heat riser to address carburettor icing, creating a minor parts distinction. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block, near the thermostat housing (Renault TIS M-1230). The code "C1J 715" is clearly marked. Visually, it is identifiable by its inline-three configuration and single-barrel carburettor mounted atop the intake manifold. Pre-1990 models lack the heat riser pipe on the intake manifold that was added to later units. The distributor is mounted at the rear of the cylinder head. Engine parts are generally interchangeable across its production run, but intake manifolds differ between early and late models.
The C1J 715's primary reliability risk is carburettor icing in cold, damp climates, with elevated incidence in early builds. Renault service data indicated a notable number of cold-weather stalling complaints for pre-1990 models, while general mechanical failure rates were low. Urban, short-trip driving exacerbates icing, making the heat riser modification critical for affected vehicles.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (1985-1996) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1995-2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT C1J-715.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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RENAULT Official Site
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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