The Renault ZD3 202 is a 1,461 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It features a DOHC 16‑valve layout, common‑rail direct injection, and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), delivering 88 kW (120 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 V and Captur II, the ZD3 202 was designed for fuel‑efficient city driving with responsive low‑end performance. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), enabling Euro 6d‑TEMP compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is premature failure of the low-pressure EGR cooler, highlighted in Renault Service Bulletin 7723E. This issue stems from thermal fatigue in the cooler housing under repeated hot/cold cycles, particularly in stop‑start urban use. From early 2021, Renault introduced a reinforced EGR cooler with improved thermal resistance to mitigate leakage and coolant contamination.
All production years 2018–2023 meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8845).
The Renault ZD3 202 is a 1,461 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact hatchbacks and crossovers (2018–2023). 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 6d-TEMP standards, it balances everyday performance with stringent emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,461 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 72.2 mm × 89.0 mm | |
| Power output | 88 kW (120 PS) | |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 1,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | |
| Compression ratio | 16.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | Renault RN1720 (SAE 0W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 124 kg |
The VGT turbo provides responsive low-end torque ideal for city driving but requires consistent oil changes every 20,000 km or 12 months to protect the high-pressure fuel pump and timing chain. Renault RN1720 (0W-30) oil is critical due to its low-SAPS formulation protecting the DPF and SCR system. 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-2021 engines include the reinforced EGR cooler per Renault SIB 7723E.
Oil Specs: Requires Renault RN1720 (0W-30) specification (Renault SIB 7723E). Equivalent to ACEA C2/C5 but with OEM-specific additives.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP certification applies to all 2018–2023 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8845). No Euro 6d-FULL variants exist for this engine code.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output verified in Renault PT-2022 powertrain documentation.
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M16‑9910, M16‑9940, SIB 7723E
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8845)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Renault ZD3 202 was used across Renault's CMF-B platform with transverse mounting and shared with Nissan for select European applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Captur II and revised intake routing in the Clio V—and from early 2021 the updated EGR cooler and ECU calibration, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Nissan's 1.5 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 M16‑9920). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('3' for ZD3 series). Early models (pre-03/2021) use EGR coolers with aluminum housings and single O‑ring seals; post-03/2021 units have cast housings with dual O‑rings and reinforced flanges. Critical differentiation from ZD3 200: ZD3 202 has 120 PS output and Euro 6d-TEMP compliance, while ZD3 200 (95 PS) meets only Euro 6b. Service parts require production date verification—EGR coolers before 03/2021 are incompatible with later thermal durability standards (Renault SIB 7723E).
The ZD3 202's primary reliability risk is low-pressure EGR cooler failure on early builds, with elevated incidence in stop-start urban use. Renault internal data from 2022 indicated a measurable increase in EGR-related warranty claims for vehicles under 60,000 km with predominantly city cycles, while UK DVSA MOT records show emissions-related failures rising after 80,000 km in high-idle conditions. Infrequent highway driving and thermal stress make adherence to OEM cooler specifications critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2020–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2021–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT ZD3-202.
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