CAR Review: Renault Kadjar range expanded
It had been just three months (April 2016) since Renault launched its Kadjar SUV crossover to the SA market and in July new diesel power and auto transmission options have been added to the range.
The Kadjar Dynamic 4×2 model range now features Renault-developed EDC transmissions as well as the globally acclaimed and proven 1.5 dCi 81kW turbo diesel engine.
Also read: Car review: Renault Kadjar
After the launch in April the Kadjar received some great reviews, despite tough economic conditions, and after driving the new additions we’re pretty sure Renault has completed its successful range.
We had the opportunity to drive both the petrol and diesel versions in and around the suburbs, from Montecasino right up to Magaliesberg and through to Lanseria. The automatic 1.5 dCi turbo diesel version delivering 81kW and 250Nm was my favourite despite a slightly delayed response when maneuvering in and out of stand-still positions. But driving along the highway back to Lanseria at higher speeds gave me the sort of response I was hoping for.
This totals the Kadjar’s range to a line-up of six variants:
96kW Turbo Expression: R364 900
96kW Turbo Dynamique: R389 900
1,5 dCi (81kW) Dynamique: R394 900
96kW Turbo Dynamique EDC: R399 900
1,5 dCi (81kW) Dynamique EDC: R414 900
96kW 1,6 dCi Dynamique 4X4: R454 900
Efficient Duel Clutch (EDC)
Renault’s EDC gearbox results in fuel reductions of up to 17% in fuel consumption and up to 30g/km in CO2 emissions and a decrease in engine noise.
Renault has chosen a twin-plate dry clutch system for its EDC transmission to pair with the 1.5 dCi turbo diesel engine powering the new Kadjar 6-speed auto.
“The first of the two clutches looks after the odd-number gears (1st, 3rd and 5th), while the seconds covers the even number gears (2nd, 4th and 6th), as well as reverse,” says Renault SA.
“The gears are carried by four shafts: two concentric primary shafts (each of which is connected to a clutch) and two secondary shafts. Gears are matched by means of synchronizers, as in the case with a manual gearbox. These synchronizers like the clutches, are operated by electric actuators which in turn are controlled by a control level.”
Source: Renault SA