Facelifted Renault Kadjar Debuts With Updated Styling, New 1.3L Turbo Petrol

Renault wants to maintain its strong position in the compact SUV segment with the Kadjar, which has just been facelifted for the 2019MY.

The most significant update represents the introduction of the new turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder TCe engine, which was co-developed with Daimler.

It’s already available in the Scenic, Captur and Megane, and promises low CO2 emissions thanks to the gasoline particulate filter. The unit can be ordered in two outputs, with 140 PS (138 hp / 103 kW) or 160 PS (158 hp / 118 kW), both of them available with either a manual or an EDC automatic transmission.

Diesel updates

The widely used 1.5-liter dCi diesel benefits from a reduction in CO2 emissions and gets more power, making 115 PS (113 hp / 84 kW) and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque. It’s currently available with a six-speed manual transmission only, but Renault will eventually marry it to the seven-speed automatic as well.

The other diesel engine on offering, the 1,749cc unit, gets an output increase by 20 PS (20 hp / 15 kW) compared to its predecessor, making 149 PS (147 hp / 110 kW) and 340 Nm (251 lb-ft) of torque. It works in conjunction with the six-speed manual gearbox and comes in either FWD or AWD.

Speaking of the latter, all-wheel drive versions of the Renault Kadjar have three distinct driving modes called 2WD, Auto and Lock. At the same time, 4×2 models continue to be offered with the Extended Grip system which improves traction for easier driving on mud, sand or other slippery surfaces.

Revised exterior

The facelifted Renault Kadjar has redesigned front and rear ends, which include a wider grille with chrome inserts and updated bumpers. It also carries over the C-shaped light signature from the brand’s range and gets LED indicators integrated into the DRLs, LED fog lamps at the front with rectangular styling, LED indicators, reversing lights and fog lamps at the rear, and other minor work.

Top models have a shark fin antenna and customers can choose between three new colors, called Oural Green, Iron Blue and Highland Grey, and two new wheel patterns, 17- and 19-inch in size.

Updated cabin

Opening the door reveals a new 7-inch multimedia touchscreen display for the R-Link 2 infotainment system. The A/C controls have a more modern design, air vent surrounds, central console and door handles have satin chrome, and the inner door panels get new controls for the windows and mirrors with backlighting.

Renault’s facelifted Kadjar also gets redesigned the seats that offer better comfort and prevent fatigue on long journeys, new rear air vents, two USB sockets for rear passengers, and new upholstery options, featuring top-stitching and textured 3D effect, among others.

Renault Kadjar Black Edition and Wave

Sitting at the top of the 2019 Renault Kadjar range is the new Black Edition. It has black side mirror casings and front and rear skid plates in contrasting color on the outside, sits on 19-inch alloy wheels, and benefits from Alcantara upholstery, black headliner and special mats inside.

The Wave version is a limited series offered solely in France. It’s based on the Life trim level, and has chrome inserts on the outside, roof racks, shark fin antenna and 19-inch diamond-effect wheels. In the cabin, it has a 7-inch multimedia tablet, dual-zone air conditioning and special upholstery with blue top-stitching.

The new 2019 Renault Kadjar will make its public debut at the upcoming Paris Auto Show.