Navigation was straightforward; all we had to do was follow the GPS instructions on the car's R-link 2 tablet, which proved both practical and highly efficient. With its four-wheel drive, Kadjar was highly agile and surprisingly lively on the steeper slopes. The muddy section at the outset of the circuit brought immediate confirmation of the car's capabilities under tricky circumstances. Handling on low-grip surfaces is child's play, thanks to the electronic control system that applies selective drive to each of the four wheels automatically. The comfortable ride owed much to the 17” wheels, ideal for this kind of terrain. And Kadjar proved remarkably well balanced even at higher speeds on the rough ground.
With its 130 bhp 1.6 dCi diesel engine, the all-wheel-drive Renault Kadjar boasts highly creditable performance. The torque is there when needed, a fact we appreciated when we left the dirt tracks to finish the circuit along a normal road surface. Kadjar is made and assembled not far away, at the Renault Palencia plant. It left us with a very good overall impression. As well as being manoeuvrable in town and comfortable for long journeys on the open road, it also offers all the virtues of a true crossover. It's smaller stable-mate Captur has earned itself a great reception on the market, and we reckon Kadjar is set to follow in its illustrious footsteps.
Par Antoine Lefort