Review: 2018 Renault Kadjar (facelift 2018) 1.5 Blue dCi (116 Hp) EDC

The 2018 Renault Kadjar, with its facelift and the 1.5 Blue dCi engine, is a compact SUV that aims to blend style, efficiency, and practicality. Whether you're navigating city streets or embarking on a family road trip, the Kadjar promises to deliver a comfortable and reliable driving experience. In this review, we'll explore the key features of the Kadjar, its performance, and how it fits into different lifestyles.

Understanding the Basics: Key Terms Explained

Before diving into the specifics, let's clarify some essential terms that will help you better understand the Kadjar's features:

SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle): A versatile vehicle that combines elements of road-going passenger cars with features from off-road vehicles, such as raised ground clearance and all-wheel drive.
EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch): A type of automatic transmission that uses two separate clutches for odd and even gear sets, providing smoother and faster gear changes.
Torque: A measure of rotational force, which in the Kadjar is 260 Nm, providing good pulling power for acceleration and towing.
Euro 6d: A European emission standard that sets limits on the amount of pollutants a vehicle can emit, ensuring the Kadjar is environmentally friendly.

Performance and Efficiency

The Renault Kadjar is powered by a 1.5-liter Blue dCi diesel engine, producing 116 horsepower. This engine is paired with a 7-speed EDC automatic transmission, offering a smooth driving experience. The Kadjar accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.9 seconds, which is adequate for everyday driving needs.

Fuel efficiency is one of the Kadjar's strong suits, with a combined fuel consumption of 4.9-5.1 liters per 100 km (approximately 48-46.12 US mpg). This makes it an economical choice for long-distance travel, especially with its 55-liter fuel tank capacity.

The Kadjar's front-wheel-drive system, along with its independent McPherson front suspension and semi-independent rear suspension, ensures a comfortable ride, whether you're on the highway or navigating city streets. The electric power steering adds to the ease of handling, making it a breeze to maneuver in tight spaces.

Space and Practicality

With a kerb weight of 1547 kg, the Kadjar is a solidly built SUV. It offers ample space for passengers and cargo, with a trunk capacity ranging from 472 liters to a maximum of 1478 liters when the rear seats are folded down. This makes it ideal for family use, providing enough room for luggage, groceries, or sports equipment.

The Kadjar's dimensions (4489 mm in length, 1836 mm in width, and 1613 mm in height) strike a balance between spaciousness and maneuverability. Its 200 mm ground clearance allows for some light off-roading, making it suitable for adventure seekers who enjoy the occasional trip off the beaten path.

Suitability for Different Lifestyles

The Renault Kadjar is versatile enough to cater to various lifestyles:

City Driving: Its compact size and efficient fuel consumption make it a great choice for urban environments. The minimum turning circle of 10.7 meters ensures easy parking and navigation through tight city streets.
Long-Distance Travel: With its comfortable seating for five and excellent fuel economy, the Kadjar is well-suited for road trips and long commutes.
Family Use: The spacious interior and large trunk make it ideal for families, providing enough room for passengers and their belongings.
Adventure Lifestyles: While not a hardcore off-roader, the Kadjar's ground clearance and robust build allow for light off-road adventures.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Here's a quick look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Renault Kadjar:

Strengths:
- Fuel-efficient diesel engine
- Spacious interior and trunk
- Comfortable ride quality
- Modern design and features
Weaknesses:
- Not the fastest in its class
- Limited off-road capability

Conclusion

The 2018 Renault Kadjar is a well-rounded SUV that offers a blend of efficiency, comfort, and practicality. It's particularly well-suited for city dwellers, families, and those who enjoy the occasional adventure. While it may not be the fastest or most rugged SUV on the market, its strengths in fuel economy and space make it a compelling choice for many drivers.

Think about what features matter most to you. Do you need extra cargo space, or are you looking for a vehicle that's easy to park in the city? The Kadjar might just be the perfect fit for your needs.

Specifications Table

Attribute	Details
Generation	Kadjar (facelift 2018)
Modification (Engine)	1.5 Blue dCi (116 Hp) EDC
Powertrain Architecture	Internal Combustion engine
Body Type	SUV
Seats	5
Doors	5
Combined Fuel Consumption	4.9-5.1 l/100 km
CO2 Emissions	128-135 g/km
Fuel Type	Diesel
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)	11.9 sec
Maximum Speed	189 km/h
Emission Standard	Euro 6d
Engine Displacement	1461 cm3
Number of Cylinders	4
Engine Configuration	Inline
Power Output	116 Hp
Torque	260 Nm
Kerb Weight	1547 kg
Max Load	447 kg
Trunk Space (Minimum and Maximum)	472 l - 1478 l
Fuel Tank Capacity	55 l
Length	4489 mm
Width	1836 mm
Height	1613 mm
Wheelbase	2646 mm
Drive Wheel System	Front wheel drive
Number of Gears (Transmission Type)	7 gears, automatic transmission EDC
Front Suspension	Independent type McPherson
Rear Suspension	Semi-independent, coil spring
Front Brakes	Ventilated discs
Rear Brakes	Disc
Assisting Systems	ABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Power Steering	Electric Steering
Tire Size	215/60 R17
Wheel Rims Size	17