Renault Kadjar review: New in-betweener blurs the lines
SUVs are big business, they are some of the most popular vehicles in Australia and a new type of high-rider is becoming more and more popular in showrooms. But should you buy one?
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Car makers are always searching for new ways to entice buyers to their brand, and the latest trend is SUVs that bridge the gap between small and medium sizes. They are easier to drive in the city thanks to their compact exterior size but roomy enough to carry back seat passengers. Renault’s new Kadjar is just the latest example of these “in-betweeners” and here are five things you need to know about it.
1. It’s an in-betweener
Straddling segments, the Renault Kadjar is smaller than the brand’s Koleos and bigger than its Captur baby-SUV. It’s one of a new breed of “in-betweeners” that includes the new Kia Seltos and the upcoming Mazda CX-30. There’s plenty of room for four adults and a boot big enough for a pair of larger check-in suitcases.
2. Small dimensions but big price
Entry-level Kadjars start from a little more than $30,000 drive-away, but the Intens variant costs more than $42,000. Tech highlights include a seven-inch touchscreen, a seven-speaker Bose sound system, satnav and smartphone mirroring apps Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Luxuries run to leather trim, 19-inch alloys, panoramic sunroof and dual-zone aircon with rear air vents. The only solid — and free — colour is white. Metallic paint is $750. Warranty coverage meets the new mainstream standard of five years and unlimited kilometres with roadside assist for the same period. Capped price servicing is available for five years with an average cost per service of $477.
3. The cabin has quirks
It’s a stylish, clean looking cabin design with clear digital readouts but some of the functions are hidden in menus on the touchscreen, which takes some getting used to. The best way to change the volume and adjust the radio stations is via the steering wheel mounted controls, while the dual-zone climate control can be changed quickly and easily via dash-mounted buttons. In lieu of a conventional key, Renault gives you a credit card-style starter.
4. Easy does it
All variants have the same small capacity turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine which provides adequate performance. It’s no firecracker — 0-100km/h takes a leisurely 9.6 seconds — but it feels lively once under way. The combination of modest power and an occasionally slow-to-react dual-clutch transmission can be a little frustrating in city traffic. To be fair, most buyers aren’t looking to push the performance envelope and smooth driving is rewarded with satisfying progress.
5. It’s been a while coming
The Kadjar launched in Europe back in 2015, but strong demand over there delayed its local introduction. As a result, it’s a little off the pace for driver assistance tech. The auto emergency braking doesn’t detect cyclists or pedestrians and while there are blind-spot and lane departure monitoring, it won’t steer you back into your lane if you begin to drift out.
Originally published as Renault Kadjar review: New in-betweener blurs the lines
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