The Renault D4F 780 is a 1,149 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 2006 and 2012. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with 16 valves and sequential multi‑point fuel injection, delivering 55 kW (75 PS) and 105 Nm of torque. Its compact, lightweight architecture prioritizes fuel efficiency and agile urban performance.
Fitted primarily to the Clio III and Modus, the D4F 780 was engineered for responsive, economical city driving. Emissions compli…
All production years (2006–2012) meet Euro 4 standards; select 2010–2012 models may have Euro 5 compliance depending on market .
The Renault D4F 780 is a 1,149 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for supermini platforms (2006-2012). It combines DOHC 16-valve architecture with sequential multi-point fuel injection to deliver responsive low-end torque and frugal fuel consumption. Designed to meet Euro 4 (and some market-specific Euro 5) standards, it prioritizes urban efficiency and compact packaging.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,149 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 68.0 mm × 79.5 mm | |
Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) | |
Torque | 105 Nm @ 4,250 rpm | |
Fuel system | Sequential multi-point injection (Siemens/Sagem) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 4; Euro 5 depending on market | |
Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Chain-driven | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 95 kg |
The Renault D4F 780 was used across Renault's B-segment platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received minor ECU and emissions adaptations for different model years and trim levels, creating subtle power and torque variations. 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.
The D4F 780's primary reliability risk is exhaust camshaft lobe wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained engines. Renault internal data indicated this was a notable failure mode for engines exceeding 150,000 km without strict oil service adherence, while routine maintenance records show timing chain issues are comparatively rare. Neglecting oil changes and aggressive driving make using the correct lubricant and service intervals critical.
Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. 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 D4F 780 is generally robust for its size and era, especially if serviced correctly. Its main weakness is potential exhaust camshaft wear in neglected or high-stress examples. With regular oil changes using the correct specification and sensible driving, it can easily surpass 200,000 km. Timing chain issues are uncommon.
The most frequent issues are exhaust camshaft lobe wear (causing a tapping noise), ignition coil pack failures (leading to misfires), and faulty coolant temperature sensors. Timing chain tensioner rattle can occur on very high-mileage engines. These are well-documented in Renault service information.
The D4F 780 1.2 16V engine was primarily used in the Renault Clio III (2006-2012) and the Renault Modus (2006-2012). It was also fitted to the Nissan Micra K13 (2010-2012) in certain markets, where it was slightly detuned to 80 PS.
Minor gains are possible via ECU remapping, typically adding 5-10 kW by optimizing ignition and fuel maps. Significant power increases are limited by the engine's small displacement and stock internals. Bolt-on modifications like an induction kit or exhaust offer minimal gains. Reliability should be prioritized over power.
Excellent for its time. In a Renault Clio 1.2 16V, expect combined figures around 5.5-6.0 L/100km (approx. 47-51 mpg UK). Real-world economy is heavily dependent on driving style, but its low weight and efficient design make it very economical for city and mixed driving.
Yes. The D4F 780 is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps significantly, the pistons can collide with the open valves, causing severe internal damage requiring a costly rebuild. This underscores the importance of addressing any timing chain noise promptly.
Renault specifies oil meeting RN0700 or RN0710 standards, typically a 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic or semi-synthetic. Using the correct specification is crucial for protecting the camshafts and ensuring proper lubrication. Change intervals should not exceed 15,000 km or 12 months.
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.