2020 Renault Kadjar Review: A Shot of Zen

The Zen is the mid-ranger in Renault's Kadjar line of small SUVs, with an MSRP of $32,990.

The Kadjar is larger for what is usually considered a small SUV, larger than something like the Mitsubishi ASX, but also much smaller than a mid-sized one like the Toyota RAV4.

The Kadjar exists in the same bracket as the Nissan Qashqai, with which it shares a chassis. However, unlike the Qashqai, the Kadjar is powered by a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine (117kW/260Nm) mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The Kadjar is front-wheel drive only, and the all-wheel drive diesel available in Europe won't make it to Australia. There is no handmade Kadjar in Australia.

The Kadjar is made in Spain and has a timing chain, not a belt.

Zen standard equipment includes 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, a 7.0-inch multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster with dot-matrix gauges, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a seven-speaker audio system. , dual-zone climate control with dot-matrix dial displays, fabric upholstered seats with manually adjustable lumbar support, interior ambient lighting, keyless entry with push-button ignition, front and rear fog lamps with front turn function, side parking sensors (for 360-degree sensor coverage), sun visors with illuminated mirrors, roof rails, one-touch folding rear seats, a rear armrest with two cup holders, rear air vents, a raised boot floor, and heated and auto-folding side mirrors.

Active safety on the Zen is upgraded from the base Life model, and includes Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), as well as standard Automatic City Speed ​​Emergency Braking (AEB - no pedestrian or cyclist detection) . The Kadjar has six airbags and the expected stability and brake control.

The Kadjar is launching with Renault's improved ownership promise, which consists of a five-year warranty, five years of roadside assistance and five years of limited-price service.

The service interval is 12 months / 30,000 km and the Kadjar range is priced at $399 for the first three services, $789 for the fourth (due to changing spark plugs and other major items), then $399 for the fifth.