Renault Kadjar takes the work out of shifting cogs

Just three months after being launched locally, Renault has introduced EDC double-clutch automatic gearboxes to their 4×2 Kadjar range. And to give us a taste of this improved versatility, we were sent on a zigzag route through the suburbs out to Magaliesberg.

Also on offer now are 1.5 dCi turbo diesel engine model options. This adds a 1.5 (81kW) turbo dCi six-speed manual, a 1.5 (81kW) turbo dCi EDC six-speed auto and a 1.2 (96kW) turbo petrol EDC seven-speed auto to the range.

Reliable and robust, the Renault-developed EDC gearbox has a host of advantages. It dispenses with the need for a clutch pedal, while gearshift control is of the “P-R-N-D” type plus an “up/down” shift mode. The ideal gear is selected by an electronic control unit and gearshifts are both automatic and comfortable.

The new 96kW 1.2 litre turbo petrol model was the pick for me. The engine is lively for its size and was well suited to the seven-speed EDC transmission.

The 1.5 dCi turbo diesel power plant delivering 81kW along with 260Nm or 250Nm, manual and auto, respectively, also did a decent enough job. But there were times where it felt a little flat when called upon to work from slow speeds. Once on the boil though, the torque of the turbo diesel made for easy driving.

Both engine and transmission derivatives are fuel and eco-friendly, with the turbo diesel coming at a claimed 4.6-litres/100km in the combined cycle NEDC and CO² emissions of 120g/km. The turbo petrol comes in at 5.5-litres/100km and 123g/km.

These are exceptional figures, but I think, as you should know by now, this is a claimed figure that is seldom, if ever, realised in the real world. And I can tell you that neither me, nor my driving partner, were able to achieve these figures on the launch drive.

You can add an easy 2.0-litres/100km to the claimed number for a realistic figure. But note that Renault quote their NEDC figures as most manufacturers do, and their cars don’t get there either.

The Renault Kadjar line-up comes standard with a five-year/150 000km mechanical warranty, six-year anticorrosion warranty and a five-year/90 000km service plan.

South African’s have a serious love affair with SUV/Crossover vehicles, and the Kadjar should really be on your shopping list if you are planning to shop in this segment. It’s good.

Model Pricing

• 5 (81kW) Turbo dCi six-speed manual – R394 900
• 2 (96kW) Turbo petrol EDC seven-speed auto – R399 900
• 5 (81kW) Turbo dCi EDC six-speed auto – R414 900