Test drive Renault Kadjar. Hoping for the best

Let's be honest, Kadjar did not work in Ukraine. And in general, in the world it sells worse than the same-platform Nissan Qashqai. But the French decided not to give up and, in the process of planned restyling, were able to refine what needed improvement. You can easily recognize the updated “Kajar” by its head optics with a pronounced C-shaped diode signature, a wider radiator grille and chrome-framed foglights. The taillights have also been revised, as have both bumpers, but what's more important, to be honest, is what's changed inside. Interior In general, the interior architecture and finishing materials remained the same, but some little details made the Renault Kadjar interior more comfortable. Front seat cushion extensions, for example. The strengthened lateral support also came in handy. And the center armrest is now sliding. Plus, a more ergonomically convenient climate system unit with three large knobs and an updated multimedia system with a 7-inch display that has increased brightness and sensitivity. At the same time, it is not easily soiled – fingerprints are almost invisible. And there are plenty of USB ports in the cabin, which is also important. Renault Kadjar Perhaps the only thing that the French were unable to do anything with for completely objective reasons was the trunk volume. As before, it is far from record-breaking, although it should be enough for everyday urban needs. In addition, using the hold has become more convenient thanks to the EasyBreak system, which allows you to fold the backrests of the second row directly from the trunk. Renault Kadjar Drive The Ukrainian Renault Kadjar engine range differs from the European one. In the Old World, for example, a 1.3 Energy TCe petrol turbo engine with 140 and 160 horsepower, as well as a 1.5-liter Blue dCi diesel engine, which added 5 hp, began to be offered with the crossover. compared to its predecessor. In addition, instead of a 1.6-liter turbodiesel in Europe, there is now a 1.8-liter with 150 horsepower. We have the same ones in the arena - petrol 1.2 (130 hp) with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed robot, 1.5-liter 110 hp diesel with manual gearbox 6 or EDC-6 or a 1.6-liter diesel engine with 130 horsepower and a manual transmission. Moreover, only the latter is offered with all-wheel drive, and single-wheel drive modifications can be equipped with a three-mode Extended Grip system, which brakes the wheels depending on the situation, but works correctly only with all-season tires, which is unacceptable for most of our country. Renault Kadjar The car we tested was equipped with the Extended Grip system. She coped with fairly deep snow without any problems. On the slippery slopes I skidded a little, but managed to get out. We didn’t demand more from simulating all-wheel drive, and there was no point. It wouldn’t occur to anyone to “dunk” Kadjar into serious mud, would it? Renault Kadjar The 1.2-liter gasoline engine caused more skepticism than the fake all-wheel drive, but practice has shown that sticking with Europeans is not so bad. The elasticity of the unit pleases immensely and is very harmoniously combined with the 7-speed “robot”. And don’t let the consumption around 10 l/100 km, which you can see in the photo of the instrument panel, scare you. This is the city's "winter" figure. In the warm season, it is easy to achieve 8.5–9.0 liters, which is only slightly more than stated by the manufacturer. Renault Kadjar The French did not make significant changes to the chassis settings, but it is worth noting that the Kadjar behaves collectedly on the road. It is predictable, understandable and comfortable. The suspension smoothly handles bumps and is not afraid of speed bumps. In general, it’s a pleasant ride for both the driver and passengers.