Renault Kardjar 2016 Review New Car

This is the KadjarSUV, Renault’s rather dashing answer to the Nissan Qashqai – but let’s not forget, both the Kadjar and Qashqai share a platform as they are built under the Renault-Nissan alliance… But what else does it go toe to toe with? Well, there’s the Mazda CX-5, Ford Kuga and Volkswagen Tiguan – all cars that aim to offer slick SUV styling and plentiful practicality. So, let’s see what the Kadjar’s got to offer. 

My initial impression on getting into the Kadjar was that it was comfortable and oozed ‘luxurySUV’ personality. But after spending a bit more time in it, I found some of the design features a bit outdated and some of the plastics a bit cheap. But for what the Kadjar may lack in glittery highlights, it makes up for with its kit, as every model in the range gets air-con, Bluetooth, DAB radio and LED daytime running lights. And as you climb the trims you can add the likes of Renault’s R-Link 2 multimedia system which has sat-nav – and we’d definitely recommend going for this. 

Renault Kardjar 2016 Review New Car - If you go for the top of the range Signature Nav model we have, you get a glass sunroof and a Bose hi-fi system – you can also treat yourself to the leather pack for an extra £1,250. Just a quick one on the R-Link system, it can be a bit slow in its responses – the fitted sat-nav however, has one of the coolest-looking displays I’ve ever seen. Passengers in the Kadjar shouldn’t have any complaints – not only is there plenty of space, but it’s really comfortable, especially with these leather seats. The only thing we would say is avoid the glass roof if you regularly chauffeur tall passengers. 

The boot is really accommodating as well with 472 litres – that’s slightly bigger than the Qashqai – and it comes with this manoeuvrable floor. It’s great for moving car loads of stuff as well, as these seats fold down nice and flat giving you just under 1,500 litres to play around with. Naturally, the Kadjar is very similar to the Qashqai in the way it drives and that means it’s not going to blow you away but, if you drive it sensibly like most will intend to, it’s great. 

The steering is responsive and has some reassuring weight to it, the suspension behaves itself over bumps and road and wind noise is minimal. We would recommend avoiding the 19-inch wheels though as they really jeopardize comfort. There’s only three engines to choose from in the Kadjar, but they manage to span all things you are ever going to need. There’s an entry level 1.2-litre petrol, an efficient sub 100g/km 1.5-litre diesel and a slightly tastier 1.6-litre diesel. We’ve got the 8bhp 1.6-litre diesel which doesn’t disappoint when it comes to low down pull and it reaches mph in less than 10 seconds. 

You can also get this diesel in four-wheel drive, but you’ll have to pay a big premium for it, so you might want to give that option a miss. There is one thing about the Kadjar that has really disappointed me though, and that’s the six-speed manual gearbox, as it has a long throw and it feels clunky, especially when switching from 4th to 5th. The Kadjar is around £500 cheaper than the Qashqai at £18,000 – and when it comes to the likes of the Mazda CX-5 and VW Tiguan, well, their £23,000 plus price tags mean they are in a whole different ball park. 

Due to their numerous similarities, style may very well be a defining factor between the Kadjar and the Qashqai – and I don’t know about you, but if that was the case I would opt for the Kadjar – there’s certainly less of them on the road as well, at least for now. The Kadjar comes with a rather enticing 4 years warranty and roadside assistance. But would you go for the Kadjar or Qashqai? Or would you fork out more and go for something