The Renault Z7X 726 is a 1,998 cc, inline‑four turbo‑petrol engine produced between 2020 and 2023. It features direct fuel injection, a twin‑scroll turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 205 kW (280 PS) and 400 Nm of torque, engineered for high‑performance dynamics with compliance to Euro 6d emissions.
Fitted exclusively to the Mégane R.S. and Mégane R.S. Trophy—including facelifted 2021–2023 variants—the Z7X 726 was designed…
All production years 2020–2023 meet Euro 6d (RDE Step 2) standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9217).
The Renault Z7X 726 is a 1,998 cc inline‑four turbo‑petrol engineered for the Mégane R.S. hot hatch (2020–2023). It combines direct injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver high specific output and responsive power delivery across the rev range. Designed to meet Euro 6d (RDE Step 2), it balances track performance with road legality.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,998 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 82.0 mm × 94.0 mm | |
Power output | 205 kW (280 PS) | |
Torque | 400 Nm @ 2,400–4,800 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch HDP6 high-pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6d (RDE Step 2) | |
Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | Twin‑scroll turbo (Garrett) | |
Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
Oil type | Renault RN17 00 (SAE 0W‑20) | |
Dry weight | 136 kg |
The Renault Z7X 726 was used exclusively in the Mégane IV R.S. platform with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received performance-specific adaptations—reinforced main bearings, forged pistons, and a dual-mass flywheel—and from 2022 the R.S. Trophy adopted updated camshaft and fuel system components, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The Z7X 726's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump drive lobe wear on the exhaust camshaft, with elevated incidence in vehicles exceeding 15,000 km service intervals or subjected to frequent high-load driving. Renault internal data from 2022 indicated a measurable uptick in camshaft replacements before 50,000 km in track-use vehicles, while UK DVSA records show GPF-related faults as the second-most common emissions-related MOT defect for Euro 6 performance petrols. Oil specification adherence and premium fuel use are critical to longevity.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2020–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2021–2023). 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 Z7X 726 offers exceptional performance and responsiveness, but early units (2020–2022) had high-pressure fuel pump drive lobe wear concerns under aggressive use. Post-2022 revisions improved camshaft durability. Longevity depends on using RN17 00 (0W-20) oil, adhering to 15,000 km oil changes, and using RON 98 fuel exclusively.
Top issues include exhaust camshaft-driven high-pressure fuel pump wear, GPF clogging, turbo wastegate actuator failure, and PCV oil separator degradation. These are documented in Renault service bulletins and correlate with DVSA MOT failure data for Euro 6 performance petrol engines.
The Z7X 726 powers the Mégane IV R.S. (2020–2023), including R.S. 280, R.S. 300, and R.S. Trophy variants. It is exclusive to Renault and not shared with Nissan, Dacia, or Alpine.
Yes, ECU remaps can safely increase output to ~235–250 kW (320–340 PS) on stage 1, as the forged internals and twin-scroll turbo are robust. However, tuning increases stress on the fuel system, GPF, and cooling circuits, so supporting upgrades are often recommended by tuners.
Official WLTP combined figures range from 8.1–8.8 L/100km (35–32 mpg UK). Real-world mixed driving typically yields 9.0–11.5 L/100km (31–25 mpg UK), depending on driving style, track use, and GPF regeneration cycles.
Yes. The Z7X 726 is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, piston-to-valve contact can cause catastrophic internal damage. However, the front-mounted chain design is generally robust with proper maintenance.
Renault specifies RN17 00-compliant 0W-20 low-SAPS synthetic oil. This is critical for GPF compatibility, turbocharger protection, and fuel pump drive lubrication. Change intervals should not exceed 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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