Renault Safrane
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Renault 25 |
| Founded | April 1992 |
| Defunct | December 2000 |
| Successor | Renault Vel Satis, Renault Avantime |
| Headquarters | Boulogne-Billancourt , France |
Area served | Europe |
| Products | Executive cars (E-segment) |
| Owner | Renault |
| Parent | Renault |
The Renault Safrane is an executive car classified within the E-segment in Europe, manufactured by the French automaker Renault between 1992 and 2000. It represented Renault's top-tier, most luxurious offering during its production run, although its market performance fell short compared to rival models and its predecessor. Production totaled just over 300,000 units, considerably less than the nearly 800,000 Renault 25s sold. The Safrane was eventually replaced by the Vel Satis and, to some degree, by the brief-lived two-door Avantime.
Since 2008, Renault has revived the Safrane nameplate for a sedan derived from the Renault Samsung SM5.
Background
Introduced in April 1992 as the successor to the Renault 25 in the large car category, the Safrane adopted a restrained yet aerodynamic design characteristic of early 1990s styling trends, maintaining visual cues reminiscent of the Renault 25.
Despite executive cars typically favoring saloon configurations, the Safrane retained a five-door hatchback/notchback body style similar to its predecessor. It utilized a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with a transverse engine orientation, while select variants offered optional four-wheel drive. The model lineup included various fuel-injected petrol and diesel engines paired with either manual or automatic gearboxes. All petrol variants were equipped with three-way catalytic converters to comply with European emission regulations introduced in 1993.
Significantly, the Safrane was Renault’s inaugural model to feature airbags.
History
The Safrane was engineered to overcome key deficiencies of the Renault 25—specifically inadequate chassis stiffness and subpar build quality—while delivering industry-leading noise reduction. These enhancements led to a notable weight increase (+200–300 kg) due to a strengthened chassis structure and comprehensive soundproofing measures.
At launch in 1992, six engine options were available, including one diesel variant (all petrol engines incorporated catalytic converters):
Petrol:
- 2.0 L (1995 cc), J7R-Q732/Q733, fuel injection, 8-valve I4, (targeted at markets with engine displacement-based taxation)
- 2.2 L (2165 cc), J7T-R760/S761, fuel injection, 8-valve Douvrin I4, (intended for other markets)
- 2.0 L (1995 cc), J7R, fuel injection, 12-valve I4, (for regions taxing engines over 2.0 L)
- 2.2 L (2165 cc), J7T, fuel injection, 12-valve Douvrin I4, (other markets)
- 3.0 L (2963 cc), Z7X-B722/B723/P722/P726/C723/B753, fuel injection, 12-valve PRV V6,
Diesel:
- 2.1 L (2068 cc), J8S-T760, 8-valve turbodiesel I4,
- 2.5 L (2499 cc), S8U-L762/M763, 8-valve Iveco Sofim S8U/8144.97 turbodiesel I4,
The Safrane successfully addressed the build quality problems that had affected the Renault 25 and earned acclaim for its roomy cabin, excellent noise insulation, and agile handling characteristics. However, its cable-operated manual gearbox—a first for Renault—proved troublesome in European markets where manual transmissions dominate sales. Moreover, its commercial success outside France was modest.
In late 1993, a new 115 PS 2.5 L turbodiesel variant was introduced to boost competitiveness but faced strong rivalry from Audi’s direct injection diesel technology featured in the Audi 100.
Safrane Biturbo
Renault launched the high-performance Safrane Biturbo in 1994, offered in RXE and Baccara versions. This model incorporated a twin-turbocharged evolution of the 3.0 L V6 engine originally from the Alpine A610, developed collaboratively with German tuning specialists Hartge and Irmscher, and equipped with all-wheel drive.
The Biturbo was exclusively available with a manual gearbox, as no automatic transmission was compatible with the transversely mounted AWD powertrain at that output level. Positioned in a market segment dominated by automatic transmissions and V8 engines, it faced significant challenges. As a result, production was limited to just 806 units before concluding in September 1996. In the same year, coachbuilder Heuliez introduced the Safrane Long Cours—a luxury-oriented station wagon variant of the Biturbo Baccara.
Facelift
In July 1996, Renault implemented a comprehensive update to the Safrane aiming to revitalize sales. The front and rear sections were redesigned with a contemporary aesthetic, while equipment offerings were enhanced. The approach of differentiating front-end styling according to trim levels was retained.
Shift quality saw improvement through a redesigned manual transmission cable actuator, and the previous Renault automatic gearbox was replaced by a more dependable Aisin Warner automatic transmission.
The engine range was completely overhauled:
Gasoline:
- 2.0 L (1948 cc), N7Q, 16-valve Volvo B4204S inline-four,
- 2.5 L (2435 cc), N7U, 20-valve Volvo B5254FS inline-five,
- 3.0 L (2946 cc), L7X, 24-valve ESL V6,
Diesel:
- 2.2 L (2188 cc), G8T, 12-valve inline-four Turbodiesel,
The petrol four- and five-cylinder engines were sourced from Volvo designs, reflecting Renault’s early-1990s partnership with Volvo (the B41 also appeared in the Laguna). The V6 represented a fresh collaboration between PSA Group and Renault, while the turbodiesel was developed internally.
Although these powerplants bore visual resemblance to Volvo units, they incorporated specific alterations such as unique engine mounts, oil filter positioning, power steering pump configuration, ECU calibration, and timing belt cover design. The Aisin Warner automatic transmission remained largely unchanged. Camshaft pulleys were exclusive to Renault, rendering Volvo timing marks inapplicable. Many components continued to be manufactured by Volvo but were exclusive to the Safrane and unavailable through Volvo’s supply network. Timing setup requires a specialized alignment tool compatible with both Safrane and Volvo engines. While the 2.5 engine is technically 2435 cc, Renault rounds it up; Volvo markets it as both 2.4 and 2.5 liters.
The Safrane’s 2.5-liter unit is based on the Volvo B5254FS but features a higher compression ratio (10.5:1 compared to 10.3:1 in the B5244S). Its head gasket includes a coolant passage not found on the B5244S gasket.
Despite these enhancements, sales figures failed to recover significantly, leading to production ending in December 2000 after just over 300,000 units—less than 40% of the volume achieved by its predecessor, the Renault 25.
In April 2002, Renault succeeded the Safrane with the boldly styled Renault Vel Satis, launched alongside the Renault Avantime. Both models experienced poor commercial performance; Vel Satis did not substantially boost sales, while Avantime’s unconventional design resulted in rapid discontinuation.
RN
The RN represents the base model, equipped with engine options including 2.1 dT, 2.5dT, 2.0i, and 2.2Si. Exterior features consist of mirrors painted to match the body and basic hubcaps. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was available as an option on the RN trim and was standard on higher versions.
Inside, the RN offers front electric windows, predominantly electric-adjustable mirrors, infrared remote central locking, simple upholstery on the front armrest, no air conditioning, and dual-zone heating controls.
RT
Positioned as a mid-tier trim, the RT is powered by engines such as 2.1 dT, 2.5dT, 2.0i, and a V6. Its exterior is distinguished by black side mirrors and "honeycomb" styled Élysée alloy wheels.
The interior includes power-operated windows and mirrors, an alarm system with volumetric sensors, a lockable glove compartment, an armrest trimmed in velour, optional dual-zone automatic climate control, rear headphone sockets equipped with an isolator switch, and voice synthesis control. The upholstery features "Trocadero" velour fabric.
RXE
The RXE trim is positioned as the premium offering and is available with 2.5dT and V6 engines.
Standard equipment encompasses power steering, electric mirrors and windows, rear headphone jacks, heated front seats with electric adjustment for squab and backrest plus a three-position lumbar memory function. Leather upholstery was an optional upgrade frequently selected by customers. Additional features include a self-dimming nearside mirror when reversing, dual-zone air conditioning, rear leather electric seats (available until 1995), pneumatic suspension, Philips stereo system, voice synthesizer technology, "Image" alloy wheels, and a dual-screen digital display that provides fuel consumption and range information.
| Feature | RN | RT | RXE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alloy wheels | Optional | Not available | Not available |
| Fog lamps | Optional | Optional | Unknown |
| Electric and heated mirrors | Optional | Not available | Not available |
| Driver airbag | Optional | Optional | Unknown |
| ABS | Optional | Not available | Not available |
| Radio cassette 6000 | Optional | Optional | Not available |
| Speech synthesis | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Onboard computer | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Leather upholstery | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Rear electric windows | Not available | Optional | Not available |
| Two rear reading lights | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Puddle lights | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Electric glass sunroof | Optional | Optional | Unknown |
| Climate control | Optional | Optional | Not available |
| Heated seats | Not available | Optional | Not available |
| Power seats | Not available | Optional | Not available |
| Rear head restraints | Optional | Not available | Not available |
| Automatic transmission on 2.5 dT | — | Optional | Unknown |
| Automatic transmission on 2.0i | Optional | — | — |
Questor
Alongside the Phase 2 Safrane release, Renault introduced the Questor variant which utilized the same Volvo-sourced engines. The Questor came factory-equipped with satellite navigation—a Philips Carin 520 unit featuring an infrared remote control—and in markets such as the UK included nearly all optional equipment as standard features except for the heated windscreen option which remained extra.
Production
| Year | Units Produced |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 289 (pre-series vehicles) |
| 1992 | 48,224 |
| 1993 | 65,926 |
| 1994 | 45,354 |
| 1995 | 35,687 |
| 1996 | 29,543 |
| 1997 | 30,954 |
| 1998 | 22,854 |
| 1999 | 21,891 |
| 2000 | 12,367 |
Total production: 313,089 units.
2008 (A34R)
In August of 2008, Renault resurrected the Safrane nameplate for specific markets in the Gulf States region. This iteration was based on the second-generation (DF) Renault Samsung SM5 sedan manufactured by Renault Samsung Motors in South Korea. It was launched in Mexico during early 2009.
Meanwhile in Europe, Renault offered the Renault Latitude, which was a stretched and widened derivative of the Renault Laguna platform equipped with comparable engine options. Due to declining interest in traditional sedans within the UK market, the Latitude was not sold there. However, in Mexico and Gulf countries this model carried the Safrane badge.