Renault joins C-segment crossover field

By Gerry Murphy

One car in every five sold around the world today is a crossover, and the sector is projected to continue growing in the coming years.

Renault has entered the C-segment crossover field with the new Kadjar, which is a bigger brother of the Captur and they will be hoping that the new models will be equally liked by the car-buying public. Indeed, they are claiming already that this car will be their best selling model next year.

Based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s versatile Common Module Family (CMF), which allows a wide variety of cars of different sizes to be created using a common basket of out-of-view parts, it brings cost reductions which can be passed on to customers in the form of increased content at attractive prices.

All this means that the Kadjar is a direct relative of the Nissan Qashqai, using the same engines and many of the same parts.

The three engines on offer are a 1.2-litre turbocharged TCe 130 hp four-cylinder direct-injection petrol unit, a 1.5-litre ENERGY dCi 110 hp four-cylinder diesel available in manual and EDC, and a 1.6-litre ENERGY dCi four-cylinder 130 hp diesel. Intelligent four-wheel drive with three operating modes – Auto, LOCK and 2WD –is offered with the dCi 130 in the three upper trim levels.

The three engines, two gearboxes and two drive systems offer fuel economy of up to 74.3mpg (3.8 l/100km), with CO2 emissions as low as 99g/km. Prices start at €24,990 for the 1.2-litre petrol 2WD with the basic diesel model starting at €26,790.

The version that is likely to be the best seller is the Dynamique Nav S model which will set you back €29,290. The car is already in the showrooms and I had the opportunity to test drive it at the official launch this week.

On the open road it feels sturdy with just a hint of roll in the cornering. Also, the build-quality seems better than anything that Renault has ever produced. As with others in the sector, there is lots of space in the cabin and the ambience is bright and comfortable. Off-road, this car in 4WD mode does handle the terrain with ease.

Fifteen versions form a line-up of petrol and diesel models based on four trim lines familiar to owners of other Renault vehicles – Expression+, Dynamique Nav, Dynamique S Nav and Signature Nav. You will also be able to specify a four-wheel drive and automatic versions, and all provide a comprehensive standard specification, rising to the truly luxurious at the top-of-the-range.

Renault’s fabled active and passive safety has been democratically applied across the range, while connectivity via the easy-to-use R-Link 2 system is fitted to all models above Expression+.

Standard safety features include ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, electronic stability control with traction and understeer control, cruise control, speed limiter, Hill Start Assist, six airbags, seat belts with load limiters and pretensioners at the front, side impact protection bars and ISOFIX child-seat mounting points on the two outer rear seats.

The Visio system on Dynamique Nav and above provides lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition and automatic headlight beam adjustment, while Dynamique S Nav and Signature Nav have front and rear parking sensors. Signature Nav also has a rear parking camera with a display in the R-Link 2 screen. Automatic park assist – capable of parallel, perpendicular and even angled steering into parking spaces – is also available on Signature Nav.

Kadjar allows a significant level of personalisation through individual options and cost-saving packages. There are seven themed high-value equipment packages, depending on model.

Other accessories include side running boards, wheel arch extensions, a retractable tow bar which can be released from within the boot and illuminated lower body side mouldings.