The Renault K4J 700 is a 1,390 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2001 and 2008. It features a DOHC, 16‑valve design with multi — point fuel injection, delivering a balance of efficiency and responsiveness for compact vehicles. This compact unit produced 55 kW (75 PS) and 114 Nm of torque, with its double overhead camshaft layout enabling precise valve control for smooth operation.
Fitted primarily to the Clio II, Twingo II, and Modus, the K…
Production years 2001–2008 meet Euro 3 standards (EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007, Annex I).
The Renault K4J 700 is a 1,390 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engineered for supermini and compact city cars (2001-2008). It combines multi-point fuel injection with a DOHC 16-valve valvetrain to deliver responsive low-end torque and frugal fuel consumption. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it prioritises urban drivability and mechanical simplicity.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,390 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 79.5 mm × 70.0 mm | |
Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
Torque | 114 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (Magneti Marelli) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Belt-driven camshafts | |
Oil type | Semi-synthetic 10W-40 (ACEA A3/B3) | |
Dry weight | 95 kg |
The Renault K4J 700 was used across Renault's B/C-segment platforms with transverse, front-engine mounting and no external licensing. This engine received minor platform-specific adaptations for intake routing and accessory mounting. All applications are documented in OEM parts catalogues.
The K4J 700's primary reliability risk is exhaust camshaft lobe wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to infrequent oil changes or the use of incorrect oil. Renault internal service data indicated this was a leading cause of top-end rebuilds for this model. Neglecting the timing belt replacement schedule poses a catastrophic risk due to its interference design.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2001-2008) and historical service data. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The K4J 700 is generally reliable if its two critical maintenance items are observed: regular oil changes with the correct 10W-40 oil to prevent cam wear, and timely timing belt replacement to avoid catastrophic failure. With proper care, it can easily reach 200,000 km.
The most critical issues are exhaust camshaft lobe wear (due to poor oil maintenance) and timing belt failure (due to age/mileage neglect). Other common problems include failing coolant temperature sensors and oil leaks from the rocker cover gasket. These are well-documented in Renault service literature.
The K4J 700 was used in the Renault Clio II (2001-2008), Twingo II (2007-2008), and Modus (2004-2008), specifically in the 1.4 16V variants. No other Renault or licensed models used this specific engine code.
Minor power gains are possible through ECU remapping and intake/exhaust upgrades, typically yielding 10-15 additional PS. Significant tuning is limited by the engine's naturally aspirated design and modest displacement. It responds well to improving airflow and optimizing ignition timing.
Good for its era and class. Expect real-world figures of approximately 6.5-7.0 L/100km (40-43 mpg UK) on the highway and 8.5-9.5 L/100km (30-33 mpg UK) in mixed/city driving. Its light weight and efficient design contribute to its economy.
Yes. The K4J 700 is an interference engine. If the timing belt fails, the pistons will collide with the open valves, causing severe internal damage that requires a major engine rebuild. This makes adhering to the 100,000 km / 5-year replacement schedule absolutely critical.
A high-quality semi-synthetic 10W-40 engine oil meeting ACEA A3/B3 specifications is mandatory. Using thinner oils like 5W-30 can lead to insufficient lubrication of the camshaft lobes and accelerated wear. Always follow the 15,000 km oil change interval.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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