Road test: Kadjar Expression+ dCi 130

Kadjar. Crazy name, crazy car. Renault’s latest crossover model is meant to be a bigger brother to the successful Captur. But under the skin the Kadjar is pretty much a Nissan Qashqai (the two companies have a working partnership) and that’s no bad thing.

Built in Spain (and China for the Chinese market), the Kadjar’s sharp styling makes it look like a pumped-up Clio and there is bags of head- and leg-room in the front and back.

There is a choice of 130hp petrol or diesel engines, or a 1.5-litre 110hp diesel, which will probably be the biggest seller. Sadly this version, which promises 74.3mpg and 113g/km of CO2, was not available at the Kadjar’s launch in Spain. Both 130hp units are remarkably smooth and frugal, but the diesel’s extra torque makes it the better option. There is also the choice of all-wheel-drive with the diesel 1.6-litre 130hp.

The cabin is neat, with a simple and uncluttered dashboard layout and decent quality materials.

The Kadjar scores highly for style, refinement and ride, but its gear change is sloppy and the 1.2-litre petrol version lacks torque for easy overtaking. The sat-nav graphics are also slow to catch up, which made it easy to take the wrong exit from roundabouts.

Overall, it is a likeable and versatile car which provides highly civilised transport for its target market and costs between £17,995 and £26,295. Whether its name catches on is another matter.

For the record, Kadjar is an amalgamation of “kad” inspired by the French pronunciation of “quad”, and “jar” from the French word “jaillir”, meaning very agile. So now you know.

RENAULT
Kadjar Expression+ dCi 130
Top speed: 118mph;
C02: 117g/km;
MPG: 62.8;
Price: £19,895