top of page
LEADING EDGE | Westcon

Renault Kadjar Crossover

 

I have seen the Kadjar on the roads and the car tickled my interest. When Renault delivered the Kadjar to our offices I was pleasantly surprised by specifically the size of the boot as it looks very small. The Kadjar gives the impression that it is small when seen on the road but getting acquainted it is much bigger then it seems.

 

I was also pleasantly surprised by the quality found and the comfort of the seats. The roomy interior is well laid out except for the boot and fuel filler release that is too far down to easily reach when needed. I could not believe that the fuel tank logo did not indicate which side of the car the filler cap is. I am also not a fan of the stalk controlling music etc. but I suppose it makes sense once you know what button or roll switch controls what. I loved the modern information system and found it easy to use.

The model delivered to me was the Dynamique 4x2 model featuring the Renault-developed EDC transmissions plus globally acclaimed and proven 1.5 dCi 81kW Turbo diesel engine.

 

Coupled to this was the new Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) auto transmissions which made for smooth changing but I had to keep my foot on the brake on an incline as it tends to run back a bit. The ideal gear is selected by an electronic control unit and gearshifts are both automatic and comfortable.

 

To optimisze efficiency and minimize fuel consumption, Renault has chosen a twin-plate dry clutch system for its EDC transmission to pair with the 1.5 dCi turbo diesel engine powering the new Kadjar 6-speed auto. The first of the two clutches looks after the odd-number gears (1st, 3rd and 5th), while the second covers the even-number gears (2nd, 4th and 6th), as well as reverse.

 

Although still new the power on tap was more than adequate and I averaged a very realistic 5.8 litres per 100kms in every day driving conditions. I enjoyed the comfortable ride, the light steering and road manners when going through corners. I did get caught out when accelerating as the turbo did lag a bit.

 

Quote:

Thanks to renowned F1 techno-transfer to production cars, Renault’s downsized 1.5 dCi Turbo power plant outperforms several rival models with higher capacity engines in SA’s highly contested crossover segment.

 

Perfectly in sync, Renault’s EDC / 1.5 dCi Turbo engine combo delivers exceptional comfort and performance together with significantly reduced levels of fuel consumption and CO² emissions. 

 

 

Yes I would agree to my colleagues that the Kadjar can be seen as versatile in the extreme, the Kadjar crossover combines the best of three worlds - SUV, hatch and sportswagon - with owners attesting to its delivery of the best overall driving package inside and out.

 

NEW to the Renault Kadjar Dynamique 4x2 line-up are the:

  • 1.5 (81kW) Turbo dCi 6-speed Manual 

  • 1.5 (81kW) Turbo dCi EDC 6-speed Auto

  • 1.2 (96kW) Turbo petrol EDC 7-speed Auto (already available in manual)

 

 

RENAULT 1.5 dCi TURBO ENGINE - A Global Powerhouse

The 1.5 dCi 81kW turbo diesel is the Renault engine most sold worldwide. It is currently available in the Renault Duster launched here in September 2013 and was recently added to the Renault Captur range.

 

Developed using technology derived directly from decades-long Renault Formula 1 expertise and substantiated to reduce fuel consumption and CO² emissions by an incredible 35%, the 1.5 dCi 81kW turbo diesel engine is the power behind both the new Renault Kadjar Dynamique 4x2 6-speed manual and Dynamique 4x2 EDC 6-speed auto models.

 

The 1.5 dCi turbo diesel power plant delivers maximum power output of 81Kw with peak torque rating of 260Nm on the manual reached at 1 750 r/min. The EDC auto derivative delivers maximum torque at 250Nm also at 1 750 r/min.

 

Fuel and eco-friendly, both fuel consumption (4.6 litres/100km in combined cycle NEDC) and CO² emissions (120 g/km) are low. A second-generation Direct Common Rail + multi-injection fuel system, it ensures that only the minimum amount of fuel is injected into the cylinders for optimized fuel consumption.

 

PROVEN F1 TECHNO-TRANSFER

The 1.5 dCi underscores Renault engineers’ excellence when it comes to engine downsizing and coupled with a manual 6-speed gearbox, this power plant affords unparalleled driving pleasure thanks to its extreme responsiveness in all conditions (low end torque). Its turbo architecture has a specific and innovative design which simplifies air admission for a higher output.

 

Clearly the 1.5 dCi (diesel Common-rail injection) has derived huge benefit from Renault’s wealth of F1 experience. The low inertia variable geometry turbo and Common-rail 1 600 bar coupled with piezoelectric injectors and multi-injection (up to 5 injections per cycle) deliver a high level of power (maximum output of 81kW and torque 250Nm (EDC auto) and 260Nm (manual). As already mentioned, reduced noise levels are an additional plus.

 

The 1.5 dCi turbo diesel engine is a low capacity engine that delivers amazing power and torque generating proven and unparalleled flexibility. Attributes which owners of the new Renault Kadjar Dynamique 4x2 6-speed manual and EDC 6-speed auto models will soon be able to attest to.

 

RENAULT WARRANTY PLUS SERVICE PLAN

 

The entire Renault Kadjar line-up comes standard with a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. The range also comes standard with a 5-year/90 000km service plan. Services take place at 15 000km intervals.

 

RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICING: 

 

NEW Renault Kadjar Dynamique 4x2 models:

  • 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

 

I do believe that the Kadjar is going to be a very popular model and will be very competitive in its market segment. I for one will definitely have it on my buying list as a capable, comfortable and efficient everyday use vehicle.


 

bottom of page