The Renault V4Y 701 is a 1,149 cc, inline‑three naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2008 and 2014. It features a DOHC 12‑valve layout and multi‑point fuel injection (MPFI), delivering 55 kW (75 PS) and 107 Nm of torque. This compact three‑cylinder was engineered for urban efficiency with lightweight construction and low internal friction for everyday drivability.
Fitted primarily to the B‑segment Renault Twingo II and Wind, the V4Y 701 was designed for fuel‑efficient city driving with responsive low‑rpm performance. Emissions compliance was achieved through a closed-loop catalytic converter and electronic throttle control, enabling Euro 4 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the camshaft followers, highlighted in Renault Service Bulletin 1308B. This issue stems from marginal surface hardening on early batches and is exacerbated by infrequent oil changes. From mid‑2011, Renault introduced revised cam followers with improved metallurgy to mitigate this failure mode.
All production years 2008–2014 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
The Renault V4Y 701 is a 1,149 cc inline‑three naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact city cars (2008–2014). It combines multi‑point fuel injection with lightweight aluminum construction to deliver responsive low‑rpm performance and urban fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 4 standards, it balances simplicity with everyday reliability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,149 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 78.0 mm × 80.5 mm | |
| Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) | |
| Torque | 107 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi‑point fuel injection (Siemens MS 7.4) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | Renault RN0700 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 89 kg |
The three‑cylinder layout provides brisk low‑end response ideal for urban driving but requires oil changes every 15,000 km or 12 months to protect cam followers and timing chain. Renault RN0700 (5W‑40) oil is critical due to its additive package supporting valve train durability. Extended oil intervals or incorrect viscosity accelerate cam follower wear, especially in stop‑start conditions. The absence of turbocharging simplifies maintenance, though the front‑mounted chain still demands periodic inspection. Post‑2011 engines include hardened cam followers per Renault SIB 1308B.
Oil Specs: Requires Renault RN0700 (5W-40) specification (Renault SIB 1308B). Equivalent to ACEA A3/B4 but with OEM-specific additives.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2008–2014 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321). No Euro 5 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output verified in Renault PT-2018 powertrain documentation.
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M09‑7720, M09‑7755, SIB 1308B
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4321)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Renault V4Y 701 was used across Renault's B platform with transverse mounting and shared with Dacia for select European applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Wind and modified exhaust routing in the Twingo II—and from mid-2011 the updated cam followers and ECU calibration, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Dacia's 1.2 16V units to use a related but distinct architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil pump (Renault TIS M09‑7730). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('4' for V4Y series). Early models (pre-06/2011) use cam followers with silver housings; post-06/2011 units have black housings with revised metallurgy. Critical differentiation from V4Y 710: V4Y 701 has 75 PS output and 12 valves, while V4Y 710 (98 PS) is a 16‑valve variant. Service parts require production date verification—cam followers before 06/2011 are incompatible with later durability standards (Renault SIB 1308B).
The V4Y 701's primary reliability risk is cam follower wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in stop-start urban use. Renault internal data from 2012 indicated a measurable increase in valve train warranty claims for vehicles under 80,000 km with predominantly urban cycles, while UK DVSA MOT records show emissions-related failures rising after 100,000 km in high-idle conditions. Infrequent oil changes and incorrect viscosity make adherence to oil specifications critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2010–2014) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT V4Y-701.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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