Renault has beefed up its compact crossover/SUV line-up further with the introduction of the Kadjar in South Africa – we have specifications and pricing for it

The French marque already offers the Sandero Stepway, Duster, Captur and the ageing Koleos in the local market, but the Kadjararguably strikes the balance between small family crossover and SUV best. The range will include three models with two engine choices. The engines range from the 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor with 96 kW to the 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel motor that produces an identical power output. The line-up starts with the 96 kW Turbo Expression, then the 96kW Turbo Dynamique and finally the flagship 96 kW 1.6 dCi Dynamique 4×4. Expect this good-looking French SUV to take on the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Ford Kuga, Toyota RAV4and Mitsubishi ASX.

Engines and economy

The 1.2-litre turbo engine is a motor we’ve sampled in the Renault Clio 1.2 EDC. It produces 96 kW and 205 Nm of torque, with a claimed average fuel consumption figure of 5.7 L/100 km. The diesel engine is a 1.6-litre four-pot unit with 96 kW and a more-than-respectable 320 Nm. It’ll be the more frugal of the two engines with a claimed consumption figure of just 5.4 L/100km. Both the turbopetrol and the turbodiesel models come with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Features

There are two trim levels; Expression and Dynamique. Both models have a 7-inch colour infotainment screen, tyre pressure sensors, electronic parking brake, cruise control, gearshift indicator, eco mode, handsfree Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary inputs, Hill start assist, ISOfixchild seat mounts and a full-sizedspare wheel. The Kadjar standard safety equipment is extensive, with ABS, EBD, EBA, ESP and ASR, as well as driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags.

The Expression trim comprises an MP3-compatible radio/CD audio system, remote central locking, electric windows, electrically adjustable side mirror,rear parking sensors, colour-coded door handles and mirrors, a rake- and reach-adjustable steering column,folding rear seats, air conditioning, 16-inch wheels and a height-adjustable driver’s seat.

The Dynamique trim adds roof rails with a satin chrome finish, 17-inch alloys, LED headlights, fog lights, chrome accents on the door protectors, electrically-folding side mirrors, satellite navigation, light and rain sensors, dual-zone climate control, leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear lever, hands-free Renault card key, front and rear park distance control, as well as tinted rear windows.

Options for the Renault Kadjar include 19-inch alloys(R8000), panoramic fixed sunroof (R8000), leather seats that are heated and electronically adjustable (R12000) and self-park assist (R10000).

As always, Renault South Africa has been generous with warranty and servicing. The Renault Kadjar comes with a 5-year/90 000km service plan and a 5-year/150 000km warranty.

Renault Kadjar prices in South Africa

96kW Turbo Expression R359900

96kW Turbo Dynamique R384900

96kW dCi Dynamique 4×4 R449 900