► Subtle facelift
► Upgraded interior and revised exterior design
► New engines, wheels and colours
Renault has revealed an updated version of the popular Kadjar SUV ahead of its European debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. Renault says the new car builds upon the four-wheel-drive and off-road capability of the outgoing model but adds new tech, fresh ‘flowing’ styling, and an updated engine line-up. It’s not the most exciting refresh we’ve seen, but with 450,000 worldwide sales in 50 countries behind the old model, Renault can be forgiven for not tinkering too much.
So, what’s new in the 2018 Renault Kadjar?
The front of the Kadjar has been tweaked to align more strongly with the rest of the updated Renault range; that means C-shaped headlights and new daytime running lights. LED indicators are now introduced all-round the car, while a wider grille with chrome inserts aim to give the Kadjar more presence. In fact, Renault has sprinkled chrome throughout the new exterior, as it wants the Kadjar to have a little more sophistication.
New 17- and 19-inch rims are available, and you’ll now be able to spec the Kadjar in three additional colours.
Alongside a design refresh, the new Kadjar cabin also features an improved R-LINK 2 infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen and capacitive controls. It’s flush mounted too, and when combined with the new premium materials, it’s clear Renault wants the Kadjar to feel a little more high-end.
The chrome has made it inside too; door handles, air vent surrounds and bits of the centre console are coated in the stuff.
Tell me about the new engines?
The new Kadjar comes with a 1.3-litre TCe petrol engine developed by Nissan, Renault and Daimle, available in TCe 140 GPF and TCe 160PF flavours in manual and auto. That means you’ll have four petrol drivetrain choices in total.
On the diesel front, the Blue dCi 115 and 150 offer increases in performance, torque and efficiency. The 115 gains mild 5bhp and 7 ft lbs of torque, while the larger 150 adds 20bhp, and will be available in manual and both two and four-wheel drive.
Off-road
The new car continues the off-road capability of the old mofel, with Renault offering the new Kadjar with a intelligent 4WD drivetrain. 2WD mode allows for front wheel drive tp be used when suitable to reduce fuel consumption, while Auto mode intelligently splits torque between both axles. Lastly, Lock mpode keeps a permanent 50/50 torque split in off-road conditions, but it’s limited to just 40mph – which is probably enough if you’re actually off the beaten track.
Anything else?
Renault says seats are now more comfy, while redesigned doors mean window and door mirror controls fall more easily to hand. The Kadjar goes big on drinks and liquid storage too, with the front door bins capable of storing 1.5-litre bottles of water – that’s 3000ml of water alone. Two cup holders in the central console just add to the beverage tour de force, and they’re adjustable, too!