MOTORS
THE RENAULT KADJAR cont .
THE RENAULT KADJAR
Dynamique S dCi 130 4x4
PRICE : £ 25,595 AS TESTED POWER / TORQUE : 130BHP TOP SPEED : 118MPH
ACCELERATION : 0-62MPH IN 10.5 SECS
FUEL ECONOMY : 57.6MPG ( COMBINED )
CO2 EMISSIONS : 129G / KM
Speaking of the Qashqai , it ’ s worth mentioning that the Kadjar gets a lot of its enginey stuff from Nissan ’ s popular SUV , giving it plenty of tried and tested reliability .
Driving the Kadjar is a very pleasant experience , especially on the motorway where you find yourself relaxing and settling into longer journeys . Wind and road noise are kept to a minimum , whilst the engine provides just enough sounds to give ample driver feedback , whilst not drowning out your enjoyment of James Blunt on the in-car sound system .
The steering is well balanced , and all the car ’ s controls are easy to operate , both contributing to what is a very smooth drive . That said , this isn ’ t a car to nod off in ; there is plenty of driving fun to be had . The Kadjar boasts some decently sharp steering , excellent road grip and very well thought out suspension , allowing a grin to be planted on the face of those who throw it into the bends with a bit of gusto . As family cars go , the Kadjar is pretty nifty , with 130bhp , a top speed of 118mph and 0-62 in a very reasonable 11 seconds .
The 1.6L diesel engine ( there are other engine options too ) provides ample power , whilst managing to keep the fuel costs down and the emissions low . The model we drove burned 57.6mpg ( combined ) and had emissions of 120g / km .
One feature I particularly appreciated , and one that perhaps I am more aware of as one who tows a big white box on the back of my car during the summer months , is the option to have allfour wheel drive .
This ‘ proper ’ four wheel drive will get you out of many a sticky , muddy situation , and from experience , the option to switch it on manually via a big chunky in-car dial , will be very reassuring to you as you sit inside your caravan , listening to the July rains hammering dents in the roof …
The Kadjar is a very stylish , yet wonderfully practical offering from Renault which will appeal to a great deal of different people , and is one that definitely lives up to its name . Enjoy the Kad-ness next time you find yourself on a muddy field , but please do be careful with that Jar , or indeed when suddenly appearing from anywhere , won ’ t you ?
Lifesyle Renault Brighton 01273 434 696 Eastbourne 01323 744 424 Horley 01293 826515 Tunbridge Wells 01892 731 514 www . lifestyleeurope . co . uk / renault
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