Partly driven by the new European WLTP standards, which measures exhaust emissions of new cars, Renault is introducing new engines in a rapid pace. In case of the Kadjar it coincides with a facelift.
It was the second half of 2015 when the world became acquainted with Renault’s mid-segment SUV model: the Kadjar. The model turned out to be just what a large customer group had been waiting for, since the Kadjar was a success from the very start. Over 450,000 of them have been sold since. That makes it time for a facelift!
This makeover sharpens the strong character of the Kadjar in a modest way. The car’s headlights retain the C-shaped daytime running lights, which also serve as indicators. The newly designed fog lights in renewed frames make use of LED Pure Vision technology – as does the main lighting – now using much less energy than traditional light bulbs. The colour-coded part of the front bumper has been lowered. The radiator grille has become slightly broader and now comes with chromed facets, giving the new Kadjar a more powerful statement in its overall appearance.
The dark plastic edges along the wheel arches and the bottom of the doors are maintained, including the chromed finishers. Chrome continues to be used also to accentuate the side windows.
The differences at the car’s rear can be found at the bottom of the bumper. This part has been fully redesigned with slimmer units for both the fog lights as the reversing lights. A grey skid plate with chrome detailing can now be found on the Kadjar’s more expensive variants. Last but not least, the designers have released their skills on wheels and wheel covers also. A total of six new designs is available: one wheel cover (in 16 inch) and five different types of alloys, ranging from 17- to 19 inches. The one seen here is the 18-inch Fleuron wheel in silver grey finish with dark grey inner edges.
So far for the exterior, as the Kadjar has much more on offer on the inside. Renault has been working hard on the quality of its interiors for some time now and the facelifted Kadjar benefits from this strategy. All materials used fit in better with what one can expect from a Renault now. Most striking is the new centre console with its large screen that is seamlessly integrated into the design. It goes without saying that the Kadjar, from now on, will be equipped with the latest version of R-Link for audio, navigation and the necessary other applications from the second equipment level. Operation of the climate control system has been redesigned also. The satin chrome material, which had already been applied to several parts, is now used in even more places, giving the interior extra finesses. The control buttons used in the door panels have a Renault-look & feel and are easy to find in the dark, too, thanks to their illumination.
The seats have been redeveloped and now offer a noticeably better support. The length of the seats can now be adjusted in addition - a big bonus for the taller among us. Slidable centre armrests are another comfort-enhancing item, making even long journeys hardly cause fatigue. Further detail improvements are the cup holders (larger), the possibility to now store 1.5-litre bottles in the front doors and the addition of USB connections for the rear passengers.
And then there are the technical changes, which need mentioning here. Both the existing 1.2- and 1.6-litre turbo petrol engines have now been succeeded by a new 1.3-litre unit, which is good for either 140- or 160hp. Both versions are standard equipped with particle filters, which means they meet the strictest emission standards. A six-speed gearbox comes standard to both, although the 160hp version can also be mated to an automatic EDC gearbox. The third engine available is the 1.5 dCi, now good for 115hp output. This latest version of the well-known diesel engine is equipped with a so-called selective catalytic reduction system to further reduce the emission of nitrogen oxides. The Blue dCi 115 is immediately available with a six-speed gearbox and soon there will be a version with EDC also. For some countries the new 1.7-litre Blue dCi 150 engine will be available, too. This always uses the six-speed gearbox but can also be sold with four-wheel drive when requested.
New paint colours are also part of the facelift. The Kadjar offers no less than three of them: Gris Highland, Bleu Iron and the gorgeous Vert Oural, which can be seen on these pages. It is a classy dark paint colour, which highlights the chrome accents even better. During the photo session we received several compliments. This car is a 140hp Intens version, which forms the top level of equipment within this configuration. The 160hp can also be obtained as Black Edition with 19-inch wheels and a Bose Sound System among the optional extras.
You notice how quiet and smooth the engine runs as soon as you pull off in the Kadjar. The performances are convincing straight away, due to the 240Nms of torque at just 1,600rpm. The somewhat larger engine seems at its place especially when you compare it to the old 1.2-litre version. It accelerates from standstill to 100km/h in 10.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 203km/h. Fuel consumption has dropped significantly compared to the 1.2-litre version. Average consumption of over 20mpg is easily achievable now and this may be characterized as a considerable improvement compared to the old 1.2 engine.
It is important to notice that the sum of all changes now produces a car that is worthy of its name much more than before. The refinements can be found in small details such as the switches to open the windows. The chassis has not been altered because it was highly appreciated from the very beginning. The Kadjar offers a great mix of comfort, user-friendliness (luggage space is 472 to 1,478 litres) and interior space, supplemented by a stronger appearance, finer materials and improved seating.