RENAULT KADJAR
WHY IT WON SUV offers unbeatable blend of style, equipment, practicality, efficiency and value for money
THE used car landscape is changing, and following the demand for new SUVS a whole host of nearly new crossovers are now available on the second-hand market and represent incredible value for money.
Renault’s Kadjar is the most appealing of these; it’s hard to ignore the combination of value, efficiency, practicality and style it offers, which is why this French 4x4 is our Used Car of the Year for 2017.
The 2016 example we picked out as our Best Used SUV will still have a few years of Renault’s 4+ four-year warranty and roadside assistance package remaining, so there’s plenty of peace of mind on offer. However, it’s the sheer allround ability that means the Kadjar delivers so much to buyers for relatively little money.
The car came at just the right time for Renault, plugging a much-needed gap in the manufacturer’s SUV range. This is thanks to the underpinnings it shares with the Nissan Qashqai, the model that sparked the whole craze for crossovers in the first place.
Yet the Kadjar’s more svelte body, superior infotainment system and bigger boot, offering more family-friendly practicality, mean it usurped its sibling at the top of the class back in 2015 when it launched.
We’d steer clear of the more powerful 1.6 dci engine because it’ll not only be more expensive to run, but is pricier to buy even as a used car. The 1.5 dci is the pick of the bunch, although if a diesel motor isn’t for you, there’s a relatively punchy 1.2-litre turbo petrol that’s smooth and still delivers respectable fuel economy, meaning there’s plenty of choice for buyers.
The same is true when it comes to trim levels, with prices starting from £11,500. However, spend only £1,000 or so more and you’ll tap into what makes the Kadjar such a successful SUV: a robust but fairly decent quality cabin that comes equipped with features such as sat-nav, cruise control and plenty of hi-tech touches, including a digital dash display.
Combine this with the usability and space, as well as the solid performance and efficiency that’s still close to the top of the class, and as an allrounder catering for business drivers, growing families looking for practicality or young, active individuals all on a budget, the Kadjar is a great choice.