The Renault Safrane I (B54), particularly the facelifted version produced from 1999 to 2000, represents a significant offering from Renault in the upper-middle-class segment. While not officially sold in the United States, the Safrane was a popular and well-regarded vehicle in Europe, positioned as a competitor to cars like the Ford Scorpio, Opel Omega, and Peugeot 605. The Safrane aimed to provide a blend of comfort, technology, and performance, appealing to buyers seeking a spacious and refined family car. This article details the specifications and characteristics of the 2.9 24V variant, boasting 190 horsepower.
Renault Safrane I (B54, 1996 Facelift): An Overview
The Safrane was introduced in 1992 as a replacement for the Renault 25. The 1996 facelift brought significant cosmetic and mechanical updates, enhancing the car’s appeal and addressing some earlier criticisms. The 2.9 24V model, equipped with a V6 engine, was a flagship offering, providing a substantial power upgrade over the four-cylinder options. The Safrane’s design emphasized a sleek, modern aesthetic, and it quickly gained recognition for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. It was a car designed for long-distance travel and family use, prioritizing passenger well-being.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Safrane 2.9 24V is a 2.9-liter (2946 cm3 or 179.78 cu. in.) naturally aspirated V6 engine, designated the L7X 713. This engine produces 190 horsepower (Hp) at 5750 rpm and 267 Newton-meters (196.93 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine features a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration allows for a good balance of power and refinement. The Safrane 2.9 24V could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 9.5 seconds, and reach a maximum speed of 225 km/h (139.81 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 8.3 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 5.9 kg/Nm. Fuel consumption is rated at 16.7 l/100 km (14.1 US mpg, 16.9 UK mpg, 6 km/l) in urban driving and 8.7 l/100 km (27 US mpg, 32.5 UK mpg, 11.5 km/l) on the extra-urban cycle.
Design & Features
The Renault Safrane I (B54) is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. Its design is characterized by smooth lines and a relatively understated elegance. The facelifted model features revised front and rear styling, including updated headlights and taillights. The interior is spacious and well-appointed, with comfortable seating for five passengers. The trunk offers a generous 455 liters (16.07 cu. ft.) of space, which can be expanded to 1360 liters (48.03 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Standard features included power steering, ventilated front disc brakes, and disc brakes on the rear. The Safrane also incorporated an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as a safety feature. The suspension utilizes a wishbone setup at the front and a spring strut arrangement at the rear, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The car rides on 15-inch wheels with 205/60 R15 tires.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Safrane |
| Generation | Safrane I (B54, facelift 1996) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.9 24V (190 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1999 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 16.7 l/100 km (14.1 US mpg, 16.9 UK mpg, 6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.7 l/100 km (27 US mpg, 32.5 UK mpg, 11.5 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 225 km/h (139.81 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 190 Hp @ 5750 rpm |
| Torque | 267 Nm @ 4000 rpm (196.93 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | L7X 713 |
| Engine displacement | 2946 cm3 (179.78 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 87 mm (3.43 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.6 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 9 l (9.51 US qt | 7.92 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1580 kg (3483.3 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2125 kg (4684.82 lbs.) |
| Max load | 545 kg (1201.52 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 455 l (16.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1360 l (48.03 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Length | 4768 mm (187.72 in.) |
| Width | 1816 mm (71.5 in.) |
| Height | 1435 mm (56.5 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 | 5 |
| Gearbox type | 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 |
| Tires size | 205/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Renault Safrane I (B54) 2.9 24V, while not a common sight in the United States, remains a respected vehicle in Europe, known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and capable V6 engine. It represents a period of innovation and refinement for Renault, offering a compelling alternative to its competitors in the upper-middle-class segment.
