Renault splits the pack with Kadjar

RENAULT Australia has announced pricing and specification details for its third SUV model, the mid-size Kadjar, which is due to arrive in showrooms in November.

Available across three grades, the Kadjar starts at $29,990 plus on-road costs for the entry-level Life, rising to $32,990 for the mid-range Zen and $37,990 for the flagship Intens.

The Kadjar plays in the segment above its small-SUV sibling, the Captur, with its starting price $8000 higher and therefore closer to that of Renault Australia’s one-size-larger Koleos, which starts proceedings at $30,990.

Compared to the entry-level automatic variant of the mechanically related Nissan Qashqai small SUV, the base Kadjar costs $500 more.

While the Qashqai uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) – as well as a six-speed manual – the Kadjar is exclusively mated to a seven-speed EDC dual-clutch unit. Either way, drive is only sent to the front wheels.

The Kadjar’s engine is also different to that of the Qashqai, with a Daimler-co-developed 1.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder put to use instead of a 106kW/200Nm 2.0-litre naturally aspirated unit.

The former produces 117kW of power at 5500rpm and 260Nm of torque at 1750rpm, and is one of the first engines fitted with a petrol particulate filter to be sold in Australia.

Sprinting from standstill to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds, the 1362kg (kerb weight) Kadjar has a top speed of 210km/h.

Claimed fuel consumption on the combined-cycle test is 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres, while carbon dioxide emissions (C02) are 143 grams per kilometre.

Standard equipment in the Life includes an Eco drive mode, 17-inch alloy wheels with a space-saver spare, dusk-sensing halogen headlights, cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, tail-lights and rear foglights; front and rear skid plates, rain-sensing wipers and rear privacy glass.

Inside, a 7.0-inch touchscreen R-Link 2 infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a seven-speaker Arkamys sound system, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, two USB port, two 12V power outlets, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, front and rear halogen lights, Dark Carbon cloth upholstery, a leather-accented-trimmed steering wheel and gloss-black trim feature.

Advanced driver-assist systems extend to autonomous emergency braking, cruise control, a manual speed limiter, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring and hill-start assist, plus six airbags.

The Zen adds two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels, Satin Grey roof rails, power-folding side mirrors with puddle lights, rear foglights, keyless entry and start, four USB ports, manual lumbar support for the driver’s seat, rear air vents, a rear central armrest with two integrated cupholders, a one-touch folding rear bench, a split-level boot floor, Dark Carbon cloth and leather-accented upholstery, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring and side parking sensors.

In keeping with its positioning, the Intens also picks up two-tone 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and front and rear foglights, Satin Grey and chrome exterior trim, a fixed panoramic sunroof with an auto-dimming rearview mirror (a $1000 option on the Zen), satellite navigation, a seven-speaker Bose sound system, heated front seats with cushion extensions, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, front and rear LED interior lights, black leather-accented upholstery, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, chrome ‘Kadjar’ front scuff plates, Satin Chrome interior trim, high-beam assist and park assist.

Six paintwork options are available (Iron Blue, Flame Red, Diamond Black, Pearl White, Highland Grey and Glacier White), with metallic hues costing $750 extra.

Measuring in at 4449mm long, 1836mm wide and 1607-1613mm tall with a 2646mm wheelbase, the Kadjar offers 408L of cargo capacity, but storage space can expand to 1478L when the 60/40 split-fold rear bench is stowed.

The Kadjar’s suspension set-up consists of MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear, while its maximum braked towing capacity is 1500kg.

The new model comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, while its service intervals are every 12 months or 30,000km, whichever comes first.

Renault Australia is currently taking reservations for the Kadjar via its website ahead of its first deliveries taking place in two months.