Renault Kadjar

RENAULT’S fast-track to crossover fame has certainly been assisted by partner Nissan. The Japanese firm might have donated its popular Qashqai platform but you can’t accuse the French carmaker’s Kadjar of being a lazy copycat offering. First launched in 2015, Renault has already sold 450,000 Kadjars globally and its family look linking it to the Megane hatchback and smaller Captur SUV is obvious.

But is that enough to differentiate this second-generation variant from its many rivals who also promote the virtues of family-friendly lifestyles? Certainly the mid-size Kadjar’s organic, flowing lines contrast with the more upright and brash stance of some rivals. Its primary focus on style and comfort has clearly resonated with customers and it’s a policy that continues with this updated model. Tweaks to the exterior include changes to the car’s nose, lights and bumpers plus a wider colour palette.

Mechanically, the biggest changes are under the bonnet, with the new engine line-up – two turbo-petrol, two turbodiesel – focusing on improved performance and emissions. The 1.3-litre petrol pair can be had with 140 or 160bhp and, frankly, the less-power car is more than good enough. It’ll zip along on motorways with ease and also copes well with twisty country roads with a 0 to 60mph time of 9.6 seconds and 126mph top speed and 134g/km emissions.

Thankfully the manual gearshift is precise and slick, proving to be anything but a chore to use. The auto option is equally competent, although the lack of steering wheel paddles to change gear won’t please everyone and the manual override is a little clunky. Left to its own devices it’s fine for the majority of the