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A Gorgeous car this new Kadjar. Strange name, though - it sounds like a type of mutton curry. 

Generally speaking, the names given to cars are based on some sort of symbolic reference. When I read the press release, it didn't mention anything, so, I googled it. Apparently, Kad is French for a quad referencing its 4-wheel drive capabilities while Jar is also Le French, for agile. And just like that, we have a self-proclaimed “agile 4 x 4”. 

Of late and generally speaking, Renault's offer great looking cars packed with features while being sold at value orientated price-points – comparatively like the fashion chain, H&M. 

The Kadjar is no different. Stunning to look at, especially in what Renault call Passion Red. The Kadjar is arguably the best looking car within its class. Interestingly, the Kadjar borrows its underpinning/base from Nissan's Qashqai. Park the two cars together and it's easy to see the link - the doors are the same and so too is the profile around the doors. Both good looking, but the Kadjar is the prettier of the two. This isn’t a foreign concept; the VW Group’s Audi and Porsche share the Touareg platform with their cousins, the Q7 and Cayenne. It is actually common practice in the car world – making for better products and shared costs.

Looks aside, the Kadjar has been designed to harness the characteristics of a hatchback, sports wagon/station wagon and an SUV. This tri-alliance combines ease of use, ample accommodation (seating for five) and their luggage with off-road capabilities. All of which the Kadjar does. 

On the inside, the Kadjar offers a buffet of features, albeit I did review a Dynamique model, which is a higher spec version of the Kadjar. The Expression model serves as the entry-level at R359 900 with fewer bells and whistles. Both models offer things like rear park sensors, gearshift indicator, USB and AUX plug points. Dynamique models add roof rails, full LED headlights, 7" touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, automatic dual-zone climate control, light and rain sensors, hands-free key card and PDC (front and rear). Options extend to sexy 19" mags, panoramic fixed sunroof, leather heated seats - driver seat is electric, a self-park system with rear camera, side park distance control and blind spot warning. 

Keeping things simple, which is generally best, Renault offers two engines with its Kadjar. Both offering sufficient power with 96kW. The popular choice will be the 1.2 turbo petrol engine (205N.m) - as it is cheaper. Driven in Eco mode sees petrol savings of up to 12%. The downside of the Eco function is that it modifies the engine’s response automatically. This leaves the Kadjar’s ample performance feeling underwhelming and subject to lag on pull-offs. When carrying passengers, the additional weight will require down gearing too. Flick the switch off and the problem is solved.   

The range topper that also happens to be a 4 x 4 version of the Kadjar is a 1.6 turbo diesel. This model is best for those who seek adventure; making good use of the cars all-wheel drive abilities and its torque-rich engine 320N.m. 

Day to day driving will see you turning heads and the cars vast array of electronic toys will make you a more efficient and better driver. On the downside, the Kadjar like the Qashqai offers a ride that is firm. In keeping with its French "Jar" naming this means that the Kadjar is agile - driving like a car, vs. an SUV. A further consideration: although the 19" rims are beautiful there is a price to pay. Coupled with the firm suspension, speed bumps and poor road surfaces are met with an unpleasant jarring thud through the cabin.  

Pro’s

• Gorgeous
• Spacious
• Well-specced

Con’s

• Not the cheapest
• Firm ride

Competition

Ford Kuga, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai, Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester

Pricing

1.2 Turbo Expression (96kW) manual           R 364 900

1.2 Turbo Dynamique (96kW) Turbo manual R 389 900

1.6 Diesel Dynamique (96kW) dCi 4x4       R 454 900

NEW to the Renault Kadjar Dynamique 4x2 line-up are the:

1.5 (81kW) Turbo dCi 6-speed Manual R 394 900

1.5 (81kW) Turbo dCi EDC 6-speed Auto R 399 900

1.2 (96kW) Turbo petrol EDC 7-speed Auto (already available in manual) R414 900

Service and warranty

As is the case across Renault’s entire product range, the all-new Kadjar lineup comes standard with a   5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. In addition, the entire Kadjar range comes standard with a 5-year/90 000km service plan. Services take place at 15 000km intervals.

My Choice

Petrol Dynamique 96kW Turbo          R 389 900

www.renault.co.za