The Kadjar is Renault’s first compact SUV. It has no direct predecessor and shares the underpinnings with the second generation Nissan Qashqai, or the Rogue Sport as we know it in North America.
Launched in 2015 and facelifted for the 2019MY, during which it received an updated design, new features and revised engine lineup, it’s currently offered in the Play, Iconic, S Edition and GT Line trim levels. UK pricing ranges between £21,095 ($27,575/€24,713) and £25,895 ($33,849/€30,337), without any extras and dealer fees. Pre-facelifted models came in the Life, Zen, Business and Intens specs, as well as a limited Edition One variant.
Review: Qashqai vs Kadjar vs Kuga: Which Is The Best Compact SUV?
Depending on when it was made, you could land one of the various petrol or diesel engines offered. These were, or still are, shared with other Renaults, Nissans and Dacias and, more recently, with several Mercedes-Benz cars. The 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol burner was co-developed with Daimler and comes in two states of tune, with 140 PS (138 hp / 103 kW) and 160 PS (158 hp / 118 kW). There’s a choice between a manual, a CVT or a dual-clutch transmission, and while base models are offered with front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive is available.
Over the years, the Kadjar has proved to be a trusty companion, with no serious mechanical issues, yet owners did report a few electrical problems, more particularly with the infotainment system that can have some glitches. Storage spaces are good all around, the boot capacity is decent and so is space at the back for adults. Scratchy plastics can be a drawback for some, but this is not a premium high-rider, but a high-volume one. So, should you spend in the region of £15,000 ($19,607/€17,573) for a good example to use on a daily basis for the next few years? You’re one step away from finding out.