New models boost Kadjar range

The newcomers are a 1.5 (81kW/250Nm) Turbo dCi EDC 6-speed Auto, and a1.2 (96kW) Turbo petrol EDC 7-speed Auto. Renault's downsized 1.5 dCi Turbo torque-rich power plant (already doing duty in the Duster and Captur) outperforms several larger-engine rivals in this fiercely competitive segment, yet it is more economical and produces lower emissions.

An appealing blend

The Kadjar range of vehicles are longer, wider and has better ground clearance than the Qashquai and X-Trail and its appealing blend of sportswagon, SUV and hatch scores good brownie points in the key arena of comfort, driving pleasure, practicality and rich spread of features.

I drove both the diesel and petrol newbies at the media introduction in Gauteng recently and immediately preferred the EDC 6-speed diesel combination to the7-speed EDC petrol combo. I would not be at all surprised if this EDC/diesel combination turns out to be the star of the entire Kadjar range.

The EDC transmission certainly combines the relaxed driving comfort of an automatic with the responsiveness and versatility of a manual gearbox and is well-mated to the sprightly power plant. This set-up is also fuel and eco-friendly enough for fuel consumption of only 4.6 litres/100km in the combined cycle and emissions of 120 g/km.

Impressive ride quality

Just like the rest of the Kadjar clan the newcomers are also richly endowed with fancy goodies, driver aids and safety features and blessed with a level of ride quality generally expected from larger, more expensive vehicles. The attractive, peppy and practical family-friendly wagons did not take long to find a grip on the local market and Renault’s constant stream of new model arrivals (recently, and with more to come fairly soon) has boosted the French brand’s profile and sales to which the new arrivals will no doubt add further momentum.

Just like the entire Kadjar line-up, the prices of the new additions are inclusive of a 5-year/150,000km mechanical warranty and a 5-year/90,000km service plan.

The new models and prices are:

1.5 (81kW) Turbo dCi 6-speed Manual - R 394,900
1.2 (96kW) Turbo petrol EDC 7-speed Auto - R 399,900
1.5 (81kW) Turbo dCi EDC 6-speed Auto - R 414,900