Renault reveals new Kardian crossover

THERE'S a new French crossover on the market, with Renault saying it is aimed at 'non-European' countries.

It's called the Kardian and features a new styling identity with a revised Renault badge, and a new signature lighting pattern.

It inaugurates a modular platform that will enable the development of a diverse range of models, between four and five metres in length.

However, according to the French carmaker, the Kardian 'is not part of the South African line-up released by Renault International'.

This doesn’t mean we won’t be getting any of the other vehicles built on the same foundation, which are still to be unveiled.

Like the rest of the Renault crossover range, the newcomer brings a techfocused cabin with a number of advanced features.

Depending on the selected trim level, the Kardian comes with a seveninch digital dashboard featuring several individual layouts for driving information. There's an eight-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charger, ambient lighting, a joystick-style 'e-shifter' gear selector, and an electric parking brake.

It is packed with up to 13 advanced driver-assistance systems, too, including blind-spot warnings, a multi-view camera programme, adaptive cruise control, a safe-distance alert system, frontal collision warning, active emergency braking, hill-start assist and a speed limiter.

Additionally, the centre console provides up to eight litres of storage, bringing the total cabin storage space to 26 litres.

In Brazil, where it will hit the market first, the Kardian will run on a 1.0 litre, turbo-charged petrol motor matched with a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox. This configuration sends 92kW and 220Nm to the front wheels and provides Eco, Sport, and MySense drive settings, as well as a start/stop system for optimal fuel usage.