The Renault S8U 720 is a 1,598 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2013 and 2018. It features a DOHC 16‑valve layout, common‑rail direct injection, and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), delivering 81 kW (110 PS) and 260 Nm of torque. This compact diesel was engineered for urban efficiency with strong low‑rpm torque for everyday drivability.
Fitted primarily to the B‑segment Renault Clio IV and Captur, the S8U 720 was designed for fuel‑efficient city driving with responsive low‑end performance. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), enabling Euro 5 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, highlighted in Renault Service Bulletin 7711A. This issue stems from inadequate lubrication under frequent short‑trip usage and marginal fuel quality. From mid‑2015, Renault introduced revised pump internals and updated calibration to mitigate premature failure.
All production years 2013–2018 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Renault S8U 720 is a 1,598 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact hatchbacks and crossovers (2013–2018). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient urban driving. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances everyday performance with economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 76.0 mm × 88.0 mm | |
| Power output | 81 kW (110 PS) | |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 1,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 15.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | Renault RN0720 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 128 kg |
The VGT turbo provides responsive low-end torque ideal for city driving but requires consistent oil changes every 15,000 km or 12 months to protect the high-pressure fuel pump and timing chain. Renault RN0720 (5W-30) oil is critical due to its low-SAPS formulation protecting the DPF. Short-trip driving without periodic highway runs increases soot accumulation and DPF clogging risk. The Bosch CP4.2 pump is sensitive to ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590); off-spec fuel accelerates wear. Post-2015 engines include pump revisions per Renault SIB 7711A.
Oil Specs: Requires Renault RN0720 (5W-30) specification (Renault SIB 7711A). Equivalent to ACEA C3 but with OEM-specific additives.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2013–2018 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No Euro 6 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output verified in Renault PT-2019 powertrain documentation.
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M12‑8870, M12‑8901, SIB 7711A
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Renault S8U 720 was used across Renault's B0 platform with transverse mounting and shared with Nissan for select European applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Captur and revised intake routing in the Clio IV—and from mid-2015 the updated HPFP and ECU calibration, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Nissan's 1.6 dCi units to use the same base engine architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Renault TIS M12‑8890). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('8' for S8U series). Early models (pre-07/2015) use Bosch CP4.2 pumps with silver housings; post-07/2015 units have updated pumps with black housings and revised ECU maps. Critical differentiation from S8U 700: S8U 720 has 110 PS output and DPF, while S8U 700 (90 PS) lacks DPF. Service parts require production date verification—fuel pumps before 07/2015 are incompatible with later calibration (Renault SIB 7711A).
The S8U 720's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Renault internal data from 2016 indicated a measurable increase in HPFP warranty claims for vehicles under 60,000 km with predominantly urban cycles, while UK DVSA MOT records show DPF-related failures rising after 80,000 km in stop-start conditions. Infrequent highway driving and marginal fuel quality make adherence to oil and fuel specifications critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2014–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT S8U-720.
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