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Best Engine Oil for Renault Kadjar 1.3 TCe (140/160 HP)
The Renault Kadjar was Renault’s mid-size crossover offering from 2015 to 2022, and the 1.3 TCe became its most popular petrol engine from 2019 onwards. The H5Ht engine is a Renault-Nissan-Daimler Alliance co-production — the same engine that wears the Mercedes M282 badge in the A-Class and GLA. Renault contributed the block architecture; Mercedes designed the cylinder head. The result is a 1,332cc four-cylinder turbo producing 140 or 160 HP depending on calibration. In Renault trim, it requires RN17 oil specification — Renault’s own norm that mandates ACEA C3 performance with Renault-specific additive validation.
Quick Answer: Recommended Oil
For Renault Kadjar 1.3 TCe (140/160 HP):
- Recommended viscosity: SAE 5W-30
- Oil capacity: 5.5 litres with filter (5.2 L without)
- Required norms: ACEA C3, Renault RN17
The H5Ht: Alliance Engineering
The H5Ht is a 1,332cc inline four-cylinder with an aluminium block, Mercedes-designed cylinder head with integrated exhaust manifold, single twin-scroll turbocharger with electric wastegate, timing chain, and direct fuel injection at 250 bar.
5.5-litre oil capacity is remarkably generous for a 1.3-litre engine — more oil than many 2.0-litre competitors. This reflects the Alliance’s conservative engineering approach and provides excellent thermal buffering and additive reserves.
Known concerns: Early H5Ht production (2018-2019) showed higher turbocharger failure rates, attributed to manufacturing tolerances and early bearing wear. Later production addressed this. Oil quality is critical for turbo longevity — correct RN17 oil with good thermal stability resists the coking that damages turbo bearings.
Timing chain: Maintenance-free under normal conditions. Chain stretch has not been widely reported on the H5Ht, though the engine is relatively new.
RN17: Renault’s Modern Specification
RN17 replaced the older RN0700/RN0710 specifications for Renault’s modern turbo petrol engines. It requires ACEA C3 performance with additional Renault-specific testing for turbo deposit resistance and fuel economy. Total Quartz is Renault’s factory-fill partner; Castrol and Mobil 1 also carry RN17 approval.
Technical Specifications: H5Ht
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,332cc |
| Layout | Inline-4, transverse, aluminium block |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 16 valves, timing chain |
| Turbocharger | Twin-scroll, electric wastegate |
| Power | 140 HP / 160 HP |
| Torque | 240 Nm / 270 Nm |
| Recommended Viscosity | SAE 5W-30 |
| Oil Capacity (with filter) | 5.5 litres |
| OEM Norm | Renault RN17 |
Oil Change Intervals
Renault Official: 15,000 miles or 24 months (variable service).
Recommended: 10,000-12,000 miles or 12 months. Renault’s long intervals are optimistic for UK conditions.
Conclusion
The Renault Kadjar 1.3 TCe requires RN17-approved 5W-30 oil, with 5.5 litres capacity. The Alliance-developed H5Ht is the same engine as the Mercedes M282 — same block, different badge and oil spec. The generous capacity and straightforward RN17 specification make maintenance simple.
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As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases. This doesn't affect our recommendations — we only suggest oils that hold the exact OEM approval for your engine.