Renault Aims Kadjar at China and Europe

With the crossover market booming in Europe and China, the Kadjar is a huge opportunity to attract new buyers, Renault says. The automaker hopes the Kadjar will repeat the success of alliance partner Nissan’s top-selling Qashqai, with which it shares a platform.

Alliance executives are not worried that the two models will cannibalize sales from each other. There is “plenty of room for newcomers” in the segment, Renault Brand Director Guillaume Boisseau said. Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn said there is little cross shopping between the two brands.

Renault competes with European brands while Nissan’s rivals are mainly Japanese and Korean automakers, he told Automotive News Europe. Renault touts a number of features that differentiate the Kadjar from the Qashqai. The main difference is design -- the Kadjar has a curvier look. It is also longer and wider.

Fast facts

Target buyers: Men in their 40s with families are likely to be the main Kadjar customers, Renault says.

Safety equipment: High-end versions have LED headlights, parking assistance, blind-spot warning, reversing camera and emergency braking to help prevent low-speed accidents.

Connectivity: Renault’s R-Link 2 is standard with voice recognition to control the navigation, telephone, apps and radio.

Engines: The Kadjar shares engines with the Qashqai. The exception is Renault’s downsized 130-hp 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine.

The basics:

Launch date: June (France)

Base price: 22,990 euros (France)

Where built: Palencia, Spain; Wuhan, China (starting in 2016)

Platform: CMF-C/D

Lowest CO2 emissions: 99g/km

Main rivals: VW Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai, Ford Kuga, Hyundai ix35, Kia Sportage