Sector: Crossover   PRICE €22,990–€32,800   FUEL 3.8–5.8l/100km   CO2 99–130g/km

Renault admits it’s better known for superminis and MPVs than crossovers, but the Kadjar is aiming to alter that. Positioned to take on the Nissan Qashqai and other mid-size crossovers, this will be a cornerstone of an evolving range, focused on attracting user-choosers.

The business case is obvious. A fifth of global car sales and 23% of European volume is crossovers. The Kadjar will also be the first Renault built in China, where 26% of the rapidly growing domestic market opts into this type of car. 

So, building on the Captur, this is another step towards a full crossover range, to be topped in three years by the next-generation Koleos, which is likely to be road-focused like the latest Nissan X-Trail.

It’s making a strong start, looking like the already popular Captur and sharing the segment-leading Qashqai’s platform. That means not only does it offer excellent on-road manners, but the cost savings from standardising parts have been re-invested into cabin materials.

European fleet volume is likely to be weighted towards the 110hp Renault-Nissan 1.5-litre diesel, which consumes 4.3l/100km and emits 99g/km of CO2 as in the Qashqai. It’s one of the best small diesels on the market; remarkably quiet despite its small size, and available with a dual-clutch transmission which doesn’t curb its fuel economy.

The engine range is completed by a pair of 130hp units, one turbocharged petrol and the 1.6-litre turbodiesel also used in the Scenic, optionally equipped with four-wheel drive. Selected two-wheel drive versions also include the Extended Grip system, which adds Mud and Snow tyres and switchable traction control tuned for loose surfaces.

Most cars will feature Renault’s internet-connected R-Link 2 infotainment system, controlled by a seven-inch screen with smartphone-like capacitive scrolling, zooming and drag-and-drop rearranging of icons. However, although Renault has adopted a multitude of driver assistance technology, the Kadjar doesn’t get the top-down Around View Monitor or Nissan’s clever stability-boosting Active Ride Control or Active Trace Control systems. It does, however, share the Qashqai’s luggage boards, which enable the boot to be divided into smaller sections, including under-floor storage.

Equipment levels are generous, with volume weighted towards mid and high-spec versions, depending on the market. However, top-spec versions move from 17 to 19-inch wheels, which has a noticeable effect on ride quality and affects fuel consumption. This moves the dCi 110 engine from 99 to 103g/km, though Renault is offering business-specific trims on small wheels, or a no-cost downsizing to cater for fleets.

For a manufacturer known for segment-defining vehicles and a high level of innovation, the Kadjar doesn’t change the game. Instead, it has all the style and versatility that customers seek from what is essentially a high-riding hatchback, underpinned by excellent engines and a great chassis. Qualities which stand to serve Renault very well as it makes the shift towards a range with crossovers at its core.

Verdict:

The Kadjar joins the segment as one of the best options, and is well tuned to user-choosers. But consider the 19-inch wheels carefully before ticking the box.