2018 Renault Kadjar Review

Published Date: 24th Apr 2018

The Kadjar is Renault’s medium sized Crossover/SUV , part of the Renault SUV family that includes the smaller Captur and the large more muscular looking Koleos.

The Kadjar competes with vehicles like the Kia Sportage, Skoda Yeti and Seat Ateca. But what’s more interesting is that the Kadjar shares the same platform and engine line-up as Britain‘s best-selling crossover, the Nissan Qashqai. Like  for like you should find the Kadjar range a tad cheaper than the Qashqai if you shop around.

Looks-wise the Kadjar is similar to its smaller brother the Captur and less like the Qashqai, it also shares a lot of interior styling similarities with the Captur. The Kadjar trumps the Qashqai on boot space with 472 litres of room for you luggage, that’s 42 litres more than the Qashqai. Renault’s smallest Crossover also boasts 455 litres of boot space, a tad bigger than the Qashqai too. The Koleos, Renaults largest and more muscular SUV offers a spacious 565 litres. The Kadjar's larger boot means it falls a little short on cabin space, just slightly less roomy than the Qashqai, rear leg room is adequate and headroom is fine although the panoramic roof option will mean less headroom.

The model range kicks off with the Expression+ where the engine options are restricted to a 1.2 petrol or 1.5 diesel (the diesel is offered with manual or automatic transmission).  It comes equipped with the basics including front fog lights, manual air con,  DAB radio with Bluetooth support, LED daytime running lights, cruise control and tyre pressure monitoring.

We think for most skipping the entry-level Expression+ and choosing the Dynamique Nav or Dynamique  S Nav will be a better option. You’ll get a much bigger choice of engines including the option of a 4WD. You’ll also benefit from more equipment and tech including a 7 inch infotainment system with sat nav and dual zone climate control, the Dynamique S Nav comes with front and rear parking sensors too.

We like the more powerful 1.5 diesel (the dCi 130) with manual transmission, it’s punchy, offering 0-62mph in around 10 seconds whilst offering good fuel economy (combined figures: up to 65mpg).

The new Renault Kadjar is stylish and if you skip the entry-level model you’ll find plenty of equipment and engine options to suit most tastes.