Renault Kadjar is Ready to Challenge Europe's CUV Segment in Geneva

Nestled amid the super, hyper and even megacars being exhibited is the new Renault Kadjar crossover.

The Kadjar uses the Renault-Nissan Alliance CMF C/D platform from vehicles like the Rogue and X-Trail and is aimed against CUVs in Europe like the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota Rav4. It offers a compromise in size between the French brand's Captur and Koleos crossovers. Available in either front- or all-wheel drive versions, the Kadjar has similar front-end styling as Renault's latest hatchbacks with a broad grille connecting directly to the LED running lights. The model offers some offroad ability too with about 7.5 inches of ground clearance and underbody protection. It goes on sale in Europe this summer.

The engine range includes two diesels and one gasoline-fueled option, and all of them get stop/start. The oil-burners are Renault's Energy dCi 110 and Energy dCi 130 mills with 110 and 130 horsepower, respectively. The petrol option is the company's Energy TCe 130. Depending on the mill, buyers can pick either a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.