Renault's Kadjar mid-sized SUV is the big brother to the company's Captur model and has been usefully improved in this revised form.

Renault's Kadjar is a family-shaped mid-sized SUV model that's smart, sensible and, in its way, quite aspirational. As before, this lightly revised version has been developed from much of the same technology that brought us the segment-leading Nissan Qashqai. It's certainly a more interesting family choice than that Focus-class hatch you might have been considering - and there's the option of 4WD if you want some substance to go with the style.

Background
That name first. That had us all guessing. North African tribe? Middle Eastern trade wind? Wrong and wrong. Apparently it's one of those portmanteau French words where 'Kad' is inspired by the world 'quad' (the casual term for a four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle) and 'Jar' is a reference to the French words 'agile' and 'jaillir,' which means to 'emerge quickly'. Still, this is the crew who brought us Kangoos and Twizys, so perhaps it's best not to linger.

It's pretty easy to position just what this car is though. Big brother to the smaller Captur crossover, slightly more compact than the bigger Koleos crossover, it's spun off the same platform as alliance partner Nissan's huge-selling Qashqai. Renault reckons there's enough room in the market to go poaching sales from the likes of Volkswagen, Kia and Toyota rather than merely cannibalise Qashqai sales. Let's take a look and see if they're still onto something with this revised model.

Driving Experience
The key change here is the addition of two fresh engines to the range. Well actually, they're now the only engines available in the range, though each can be had in a couple of states of tune. The first unit is the one you might be primarily drawn to given the current zeitgeist, a 1.3-litre four cylinder Tce petrol unit putting out either 140 or 160hp. This powerplant is a decent improvement on its 1.2-litre predecessor and develops its pulling power from low down, which should make town driving easier. Rest to 62mph in a Tce 140 derivative takes 10.4s en route to 126mph - or 9.6s if you opt for the extra-cost EDC automatic version. The Tce 160 variant (which can only be had in manual form), manages 62mph from rest in 9.9s on the way to 130mph. If you fancy a diesel, you'll be directed towards a 1.5-litre Blue dCi unit offering either 115 or 150hp. Again, it's the lower-powered unit that offers the EDC automatic option. A manual 1.5 dCi 115 variant manages 62mph from rest in 11.7s en route to 117mph.

As before, the basic suspension set-up (like virtually all the engineering) is carried over from this model's cousin, the Nissan Qashqai, albeit with some Renault-specific tuning. It makes a Kadjar manoeuvrable in town, with a tight 10.72m turning circle, and the driving position has been designed to mirror that of a typical saloon, rather than a high-set 4x4. The front-wheel drive versions are fitted with an 'Extended Grip' system, which is claimed to enhance grip on low-traction surfaces. Four wheel drive is only available on the top 150hp diesel model. The all-wheel-drive system offers three specific modes: Auto, Lock and FWD. If you do choose to take the Kadjar off the beaten track, a 19cm high ground clearance lends it some ability, while front and rear skid plates will help if the 18 degree approach and 25 degree departure angles prove insufficient.

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