The awaited mid-life cycle refresh for the compact SUV Renault Kadjar arrived in 2019.
Underneath the fluid lines of the bodywork was the same platform CMF shared with the Nissan Qashqai, but somehow different. Their technical alliance allowed some swaps for engines and transmissions. It offered an alternative for the Japanese cousin, with a different approach.

Outside, the big chromed Renault Logo stood proud on the grille and the headlights. The C-signature for the DRL. The headlights and taillights gained LEDs instead of halogen lamps, but not for all the trims. Some of them were still kept in the halogen era to offer cheaper versions.

Inside, the instrument cluster is full TFT, with elements taken from the Megane. A trained eye could notice some other buttons and switches from the compact Renault. A good gain is the R-Link 2 infotainment system that can cope with the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Since more than 70% of the European SUV market was for the 2WD transmission system, only a few versions of the Kadjar were offered with a 4WD system. There was a wide range of engines and transmissions, with a 6-speed manual offered as standard. CVT and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions were available as an option. For cost-cutting reasons, all the Kadjar versions, regardless of traction, had semi-independent rear suspension.

After the big success with its small-class crossover the Captur, Renault threw the dices on the compact-class crossover segment with the Kadjar.
The French manufacturer presented its C-segment crossover with the same DNA as the Captur concept car at the Geneva Motor Show in 2015. Its design also borrows some influences from the DeZir concept car. The compact crossover is 4.45 meters (14.6 ft) long, 1.84 meters (6 ft) wide and 1.60 meter (5.24 ft) tall, which places the vehicle in the compact-class station wagon dimensional category.

The technical platform is the same as the one on the Nissan Qashqai, which means that Renault was able to offer the Kadjar as 4x2 or a 4x4 vehicle, with the same all-wheel-drive system with a rotating knob on the center console.

The engines offered are all turbocharged gasoline or diesel, with power ranging between 110 hp and 130 hp. Renault offers all-wheel-drive transmissions only for the vehicles with manual transmission.

Inside, there are five seats, but with limited space for adults’ knees in the back. But, at least, the Kadjar has a 472-liter (16.6 cu-ft) trunk, which can be extended up to 1478 liters (52.2 cu-ft) with the rear seats folded down. And, for a better inside feeling, a big fixed glass roof adds to the balanced feel and brightness of the cabin.