Test drive Renault Kadjar: Second stage

First impressions of the updated French crossover

Four years after launch, Kadjar enters Phase 2, as the company traditionally calls a mid-range product update. As part of this modernization, the car has undergone a stylistic touch-up, recognizable mainly by most of the chrome decorations. The headlights can be ordered in LED version. LED elements are also present in the tail lights in various shapes.

Changes can also be found in the interior. The center console has a new 7-inch touchscreen for the R-LINK 2 multimedia system, and the climate control panel has been re-configured with more convenient rotary controls.

The seats are made of two different types of foam rubber, depending on the function of the corresponding part: softer in the seats, and more rigid in those that securely hold it in the corners. A new top-of-the-line option called the Black Edition has been added to the furniture range, with seat upholstery including Alcantara.

Powertrain innovation

In times of growing demand for petrol models, Renault also offers suitable alternatives in this area. The biggest novelty on the Kadjar is in the drive area and is a 1,3-liter gasoline turbo unit. It has two power levels 140 and 160 hp. respectively, which replace the current engines of 1,2 and 1,6 liters.

Created jointly with Daimler, the car is one of the most high-tech in its class. With an efficient turbocharger reaching up to 280 rpm, filling pressures of up to 000 bar and high power are achieved, but at the same time quick response and early peak torque are achieved.

Added to this are centrally located nozzles, a special cylindrical mirror-honed coating, polymer coated first and third main bearings, sensor-assisted knock control, flexible temperature control, integrated exhaust manifolds, 10,5: 1 compression ratio and up to 250 bar pressure injection, as well as water cooling of the turbine, which continues to work even after the engine is turned off. Thanks to all this, torque of 240 and 270 Nm, respectively, is achieved at more than an acceptable 1600/1800 rpm.

These dry numbers actually underline the dynamic qualities that are quite decent for a compact SUV model. In both cases, the Kadjar does not run out of power to drive, which is pleasantly emotional, especially when equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

During normal driving outside the city, it consumes about 7,5 liters, with fairly light gas control it can drop to about 6,5 liters, but in the city or on the highway it is difficult to expect low values. In this regard, this version cannot be compared with diesel units.

In addition, petrol variants can be ordered with a well-tuned EDC dual-clutch transmission, but not all-wheel drive, which remains a priority only for the 1,8-liter 150-horsepower diesel.

Dual gear with powerful diesel only

Renault is offering Kadjar a modified version of its 1,5-liter diesel engine (115 hp) and a new 1,8-liter engine with 150 hp. Both are equipped with an SCR system. When it has a dual drivetrain, the larger diesel is the most recommended option.

The most affordable front-wheel-drive petrol variant is $23, while the 500×4 diesel engine starts at $4.

An interesting suggestion how to get an updated Renault Kadjar

For those looking to get behind the wheel and enjoy driving the redesigned Renault Kadjar, SIMPL has the right solution. It is aimed at consumers who prefer not to pay in cash for a new car and want someone to take care of its full service.

This is a new premium service for the market of some European countries, thanks to which the buyer receives a new car for only 1 month of installment deposit. In addition, a personal assistant will take care of the general maintenance of the car - service activities, tire changes, damage registration, insurance, airport transfers, parking and much more.

At the end of the lease term, the client returns the old car and gets a new one without selling it on the secondary market.

All that remains for him is the pleasant driving experience of this comfortable and energetic car, which easily overcomes various road surfaces and some very serious off-road.