Renault Kadjar

It premièred at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and on sale from Autumn 2015 in the UK, the Kadjar is the Captur's big brother. It's a bit like the story of the Nissan Juke and Qashqai, but Renault doesn't (yet) offer an X-Trail-sized full SUV. 

 

The dCi 110 is a 1.5-litre 110 bhp diesel engine, and there's also a bigger 1.6-litre 130 bhp dCi unit. Also producing 130 bhp is the 1.2-litre turbocharged TCe petrol. They all use Stop & Start technology. The gearboxes are all 6-speed and there's even an EDC dual-clutch transmission for the dCi 110. Because there's a choice of two- and four-wheel-drive, you can make sure you're getting the best out of the car whether it be efficiency or off-road ability. Renault claims you can get more than 70 mpg and as low as 99 g/km of CO2. 

 

Even with 4WD models, there's a 2WD option which'll help save fuel. In addition, AUTO sends torque where it's needed and LOCK makes a permanent 50:50 torque distribution and four-wheel-drive setup for really rough terrain. You can only use it at speeds of up to 25 mph, though. There's a respectable 472-litre boot and a further 30 litres inside. As you'd expect, it's a 60:40 split folding rear seat configuration as opposed to the more practical 40:20:40, but something you don't get in lots of cars is a front passenger seat which folds down to make carrying really long items a doddle. The Qashqai has just 430 litres to offer. 

 

Outside, C-shaped LED daytime running lights give it a more up-market appeal, and a chrome bar across the headlights emphasises its size. 

 

Onboard safety is good, with an Active Emergency Braking System, Easy Park Assist, 360-degree parking sensors, a reversing camera, Lane Departure and Blind Spot warning systems and Hill Start Assist. R-Link 2, Renault's infotainment system, has voice recognition, telephone, apps, and a 7-inch TFT display. You can even specify a Bose® audio system with a centrefill speaker, a sub-woofer and 6 more speakers throughout the cabin. 

 

That's pretty much all I can tell you at the moment, but further details along with the full UK pricing and specifications "will be made available closer to All-New Kadjar's UK launch in the Autumn". I, for one, am looking forward to a Renault SUV. It has definitely filled a hole in the range for the time being, even if it is fashionably late!

***UPDATE***

On Thursday the 4th of June the pricing was announced. The Kadjar will be starting from £17,995 with order books opening in July and deliveries coming in September. It will be available in the following trims: Expression+, Dynamique Nav, Dynamique S Nav and Signature Nav.