Redefined Compact SUV: Renault's Revamped Kadjar Model
Trends come and go, but it seems that crossovers and SUVs are here to stay, with sales of hatchbacks and sedans taking a tumble. This shift from the old to the new has the feel of something permanent, not just a passing fad.
Like a proverbial game of musical chairs, the competitive landscape has changed drastically since the Renault Kadjar's launch in 2015. The Kadjar now finds itself competing against an influx of new and capable rival contenders such as the Seat Ateca and Skoda Karoq. Renault itself claims the competitive landscape has grown by a whopping 60% since the Kadjar's humble beginnings.
A superficial glance may not reveal much, but a closer look at the Kadjar's style shows more extensive updates than you'd expect. The lights, front grille, and bumpers have all been tweaked to make the car seem wider and sturdier, although it's not exactly night and day.
The makeover doesn't stop at the exterior. Inside, a mish-mash of finishes has been replaced with a uniform chrome satin trim. You'll find a new touchscreen boasting menu buttons within the screen instead of surrounding it. Peek closer, and you'll notice improved door storage and some fancy-looking switchgear. However, the plastics for the lower dash and doors don't quite match the premium feel aspired to.
Underneath the hood, more significant changes have taken place. A new engine line-up has been introduced, and not a single petrol or diesel from the old lineup has been carried over unchanged.
The diesel standing out among the new lot is the one with 148bhp. This powerhouse delivers a healthy 251lb ft of torque, making it a towing heavyweight, capable of strong acceleration and ready to haul a sensibly-matched tourer with ease.
Both two- and four-wheel-drive versions are available, but if you're into towing, going four-wheel-drive is a smart choice. Not only does it provide better traction, but it also adds an extra 94kg to the kerbweight, improving the 85% match figure to a towing-friendly 1438kg.
The Kadjar's 4x4 system is switchable, offering flexibility to switch between two- and four-wheel drive for fuel-efficiency or better traction when needed.
Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to drive the diesel 4x4 on the road, but we did take it off-roading. It did well in muddy conditions, proving capable enough for towing on damp grass or navigating out of a muddy campsite. However, it lacked hill descent control, making it tricky to maintain a slow speed on steep slopes.
Diesel fans also have an option for a 115PS (113bhp) diesel, which is easier on the wallet in terms of purchase price and fuel efficiency. However, it falls short of the higher-powered diesel's muscle, with only 192lb ft of torque on offer. A manual transmission is available for the lower-powered diesel, with a kerbweight of 1531kg giving an 85% match figure just within the 1350kg legal towing limit.
The TCe petrol engines are new and both are turbocharged for a blend of performance and efficiency. The 140PS (138bhp) engine may lag a bit below 2000rpm, but it pulls cleanly and smoothly. The 160PS (158bhp) petrol delivers more power, although it's noisier. For towing, the extra 15lb ft of mid-range pulling power might just be worth the £800 price difference.
Overall, the Kadjar offers improvements over its predecessors and remains a reliable and practical choice in the family SUV segment. It may not offer groundbreaking changes, but it's definitely worth a look, especially if you're into towing or attractions to a high-riding, versatile SUV. Stay tuned to see how the used Renault Kadjar performs when we put it to the test with some towing duties.
In 2025, we'll be taking a closer look at the used Renault Kadjar, a vehicle with plenty of space and well-equipped features despite the march of newer models in the segment.
References:[1] Renault Kadjar (2015-present) - What Car?[2] Renault Kadjar review - a well-engineered contender in a crowded field - Car Magazine[3] 2021 Renault Kadjar Review: Pros and Cons - Car and Driver[4] Renault Kadjar (2022) review - Parkers[5] 2023 Renault Austral review: Australia's new medium SUV - CarAdvice
The Kadjar's competitive landscape has expanded by a staggering 60%, with new contenders like the Seat Ateca and Skoda Karoq entering the market since its launch in 2015. The industry's shift towards SUVs and crossovers, observed in the declining sales of hatchbacks and sedans, seems to have influenced the Kadjar's transformation. The Kadjar, if owned, might find itself a valuable asset in the lifestyle segment, particularly for those with an affinity for automotive SUVs and towing.
Under the hood, the Kadjar offers a range of new engines, including diesel options with impressive torque such as the 148bhp diesel engine that provides 251lb ft of torque, making it suitable for towing heavyweights. In addition, both two- and four-wheel-drive versions are available, with the latter offering better traction for towing and navigating off-road conditions.
As we move towards 2025, the used Renault Kadjar, despite newer models flooding the market, will continue to offer a reliable and practical choice in the family SUV segment, making it a potential contender for those seeking a high-riding, versatile SUV.
