The Renault Safrane I (B54) 2.2 (B543), produced between 1992 and 1996, was a large family car marketed primarily in Europe. Positioned above the Renault 25, the Safrane aimed to offer a more sophisticated and comfortable alternative, competing with vehicles like the Ford Scorpio and Peugeot 605. While never officially sold in the United States, the Safrane represents a significant example of Renault’s engineering during the early 1990s, showcasing advancements in comfort, safety, and technology for its segment. The 2.2-liter variant, producing 137 horsepower, was a popular choice within the Safrane lineup, balancing performance with reasonable fuel economy.
Renault Safrane I (B54) 2.2 (B543): An Overview
The Safrane was Renault’s attempt to create a genuinely upmarket and spacious vehicle. It distinguished itself from its predecessor, the Renault 25, with a more modern design and a greater emphasis on passenger comfort. The B54 generation, specifically the 2.2 (B543) model, featured a naturally aspirated inline-four engine and a five-speed manual transmission. The car’s hatchback body style offered increased practicality compared to traditional sedans, providing easier access to the cargo area. The Safrane was known for its comfortable ride and relatively quiet interior, making it a popular choice for long-distance travel in Europe.
Engine & Performance
The Renault Safrane I (B54) 2.2 (B543) is powered by a 2.2-liter (2165 cm3 or 132.12 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder gasoline engine, designated the J7T. This engine produces 137 horsepower (Hp) at 5750 rpm and 182 Newton-meters (134.24 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4500 rpm. The engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection and an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain with three valves per cylinder. The power-to-weight ratio is 10.3 kg/Hp (97.2 Hp/tonne), and the torque-to-weight ratio is 7.7 kg/Nm (129.1 Nm/tonne). Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 10.2 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 9.7 seconds. The Safrane 2.2 has a maximum speed of 206 km/h (128 mph). Fuel consumption is rated at 9.3 liters per 100 kilometers (25.3 US mpg, 30.4 UK mpg, 10.8 km/l).
Design & Features
The Renault Safrane I (B54) is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. It seats five passengers and provides a minimum of 480 liters (16.95 cu. ft.) of trunk space. The car’s design was considered modern for its time, with a sleek profile and relatively understated styling. Inside, the Safrane focused on comfort and practicality. Features included hydraulic power steering, ventilated front disc brakes, and disc brakes on the rear axle. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was included as a safety feature. The suspension utilizes a wishbone setup at the front and a spring strut arrangement at the rear, designed to provide a comfortable ride. The Safrane’s interior was well-appointed for its class, with comfortable seating and a focus on ergonomics.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Safrane |
| Generation | Safrane I (B54) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2 (B543) (137 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1992 |
| End of production | 1996 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 25.3 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 30.4 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 10.8 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 206 km/h (128 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 137 Hp @ 5750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 63.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 182 Nm @ 4500 rpm (134.24 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | J7T |
| Engine displacement | 2165 cm3 (132.12 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 88 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 3 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt | 5.37 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1410 kg (3108.52 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1965 kg (4332.08 lbs.) |
| Max load | 555 kg (1223.57 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 480 l (16.95 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Length | 4736 mm (186.46 in.) |
| Width | 1790 mm (70.47 in.) |
| Height | 1414 mm (55.67 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2766 mm (108.9 in.) |
| Front track | 1530 mm (60.24 in.) |
| Rear track | 1487 mm (58.54 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Renault Safrane I (B54) 2.2 (B543) represented a significant step forward for Renault in the large family car segment. While not sold in the US market, it offered a compelling combination of comfort, practicality, and technology for European buyers, and remains a notable example of 1990s automotive engineering.
