The Renault H4B 408 is a 1,197 cc, inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It features direct fuel injection, a single — scroll turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with variable valve timing. In its primary application, it delivers 88 kW (120 PS) and 190 Nm of torque, offering a blend of compact efficiency and spirited low — end response for city and highway driving.
Fitted predominantly to the Renault Clio IV RS and Twingo III GT…
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6 standards .
The Renault H4B 408 is a 1,197 cc inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine engineered for superminis (2012-2018). It combines direct fuel injection with a single-scroll turbocharger to deliver responsive performance and good fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards, it balances compact dimensions with a lively driving character.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,197 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 78.0 mm × 83.8 mm | |
Power output | 88 kW (120 PS) | |
Torque | 190 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Direct injection (Bosch MED17.5.5) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012-2014); Euro 6 (2015-2018) | |
Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single-scroll turbo (Garrett GT1246V) | |
Timing system | Chain-driven | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | Not Published |
The Renault H4B 408 was used across Renault's CMF-A platform with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shared ECU calibration with the H5Ft engine family for certain variants-and from 2015, software and hardware updates to meet Euro 6 standards, creating minor calibration differences. 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 H4B 408's primary reliability consideration is turbocharger wastegate rattle, with elevated incidence in higher-mileage vehicles. Renault technical bulletins indicate this is a common cause for boost-related service visits, while adherence to the correct oil specification is paramount for long-term turbo health. Neglecting maintenance intervals significantly increases the risk of costly turbo repairs.
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 H4B 408 is generally robust, with a durable timing chain. Its main long-term concern is the turbocharger wastegate, which can develop a rattle or fail. Reliability is heavily dependent on strict maintenance, particularly using the correct RN0700 5W-40 oil and addressing any boost-related symptoms promptly.
The most frequent issues are turbocharger wastegate rattle/failure and ignition coil pack failures. Other concerns include high-pressure fuel pump wear and carbon buildup on intake valves, common to many direct-injection petrol engines. These are documented in Renault service information bulletins.
The H4B 408 was primarily used in the Renault Clio IV RS (TCe 120) from 2012 to 2018. It was also used in the Renault Twingo III GT (TCe 110) from 2015 to 2018, where it was slightly detuned for that application.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the H4B-408 platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.
Official combined figures for the Clio IV RS TCe 120 are around 5.4 L/100km (52 mpg UK). Real-world consumption typically ranges from 6.5 L/100km (43 mpg UK) in mixed driving to 8.0 L/100km (35 mpg UK) in heavy city traffic. Highway driving can achieve under 5.0 L/100km (56 mpg UK).
Yes. The H4B 408 is an interference engine. If the timing chain were to fail (though rare), the pistons would collide with the open valves, causing catastrophic internal engine damage requiring a full rebuild or replacement.
Renault mandates the use of RN0700 5W-40 specification oil. High-quality ACEA A3/B4 5W-40 oils are also suitable alternatives. Using the correct oil is critical for protecting the turbocharger and ensuring proper engine lubrication.
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.