The all-new, Nissan Qashqai based, Renault Kadjar compact SUV has been revealed. And it looks rather nice, with its flowing lines and clever chrome trimming. The oddly named Kadjar will sit below the brand’s sub-compact Captur crossover and will replace the Koleos.
Built on Renault-Nissan’s CMF (Common Module) platform, the styling draws heavily from the smaller Captur, but has been appropriately magnified for the Kadjar. The svelte and smooth sculpting looks pleasing and is complimented with the usual soft-roader styling cues – roof rails, black plastic cladding, stylized skid plates and large, optional 19 inches wheels.
The interiors are a little less adventurous compared to the Qashqai, but share a lot of elements, such as the automatic parking system, navigation system, emergency brake assist, lane departure warning, road-sign recognition and reversing camera systems. Another highlight is the soft-touch, foam-backed trim and the new Renault R-Link 2 multimedia system featuring a seven-inch capacitive color touchscreen TFT display with voice recognition to control the navigation, telephone, apps and radio.
Click here to read about all the new cars showcased at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show
At 4,450mm long, 1,840mm wide and 1,600mm tall, the new Kadjar is bigger in every dimension than the Qashqai, while also offering 42 liters of extra boot space at 472 liters with a 60/40 split rear bench fitted as standard, along with 30 liters of practical stowage space in the cabin.
There would be three engines to choose from – two diesels and a petrol, all turbocharged. Diesel power will come in the form of the familiar DCi 1.5-liter engine with 110PS. The newer 1.6 DCi diesel with 130 PS will also be on offer. Petrol engine would be 1.2 liter turbocharged TCe engine with 120 PS on tap.
While the petrol motor will be available only as a manual, front wheel drive model, the 1.5 DCi diesel will get fancier options in all-wheel drive, and six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch auto transmission. All-wheel drive versions will be offered with Electronic Traction Control operable through a rotary dial.
Other bits include a standardized start-and-stop system and both RWD and AWD options – the latter allowing the driver to choose from three modes: Auto, Lock and 2WD. For some mild off-road cred, the Kadjar has 190mm of ground clearance and approach and departure angles of 18 and 25 degrees respectively.
The new Renault Kadjar will be built in Spain for European market sales, but also manufactured in China.
