The Renault C1E 718 is a 1,390 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1996 and 2000. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) with 8 valves and multi — point fuel injection. This engine, part of the Energy family, was designed for balanced performance and fuel efficiency in compact hatchbacks.
Fitted to models such as the Clio II and Twingo, the C1E 718 was engineered for responsive urban driving and relaxed highway cruising. Emissions com…
Production years 1996–2000 meet Euro 2 standards .
The Renault C1E 718 is a 1,390 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks (1996-2000). It combines a simple SOHC 8-valve design with multi-point fuel injection to deliver responsive, economical performance. Designed to meet Euro 2 standards, it balances everyday drivability with low running costs.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,390 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 75.8 mm × 77.0 mm | |
Power output | 55–66 kW (75–90 PS) | |
Torque | 114–128 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (Magneti Marelli) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Belt‑driven | |
Oil type | Renault RN0700 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
Dry weight | 110 kg |
The Renault C1E 718 was used across Renault's Clio II platform with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the Twingo-creating minor interchange considerations. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (1996-2000) and aggregated European owner workshop data (2005-2015). 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 C1E 718 is generally very reliable for its era. Its main weakness is the exhaust manifold studs, which can break on high-mileage engines. With preventative replacement of these studs and strict adherence to the 60,000 km timing belt replacement schedule, it can easily surpass 200,000 km. Its simple design makes it inexpensive to maintain.
The most frequent issues are exhaust manifold stud failure causing noise, timing belt wear leading to potential engine damage, ignition coil failure causing misfires, and coolant temperature sensor failure affecting engine management. These are well-documented in Renault service information and are typical of engines from this period.
This 1.4L petrol engine was primarily used in the Renault Clio II (1996-2000) and the first-generation Renault Twingo (1996-2000). It was typically badged as the 1.4 in various trim levels (RN, RT, Campus).
Yes, within limits. Common upgrades include a performance air filter, a free-flow exhaust system, and ECU remapping. These can yield modest power gains of 5-10%. More significant power increases require internal modifications like a performance camshaft, which are less common due to the engine's age and design.
Good for its time. In a Renault Clio II, you can expect real-world figures of 7.0-8.0 L/100km (35-40 mpg UK) on a mixed cycle. Highway driving can see consumption drop to around 5.5-6.0 L/100km (47-51 mpg UK). Fuel economy is heavily influenced by driving style and vehicle condition.
Yes. The C1E 718 is an interference engine. If the timing belt breaks or jumps, the pistons will collide with the open valves, causing severe and expensive engine damage. This makes adhering to the 60,000 km timing belt replacement schedule absolutely critical.
Renault specifies RN0700 fully synthetic or semi-synthetic oil, typically in 10W-40 viscosity. This is essential for protecting the engine's internals and ensuring proper lubrication. Using the correct specification is important for engine health and longevity.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.