The best-selling Renault crossover is entering the new generation. The first series of the vehicle received a huge success. Now, it is time for the 2021 Renault Kadjar. Besides the restyling, the small SUV is going to introduce the new engine. A hybrid configuration is a highlight, and in the future, the crossover will be fully electrified.
This is part of big electrification by Nissan. The Japanese and French companies are close partners. The first moves are already noticeable under the hood, since a 1.3-liter turbocharged petrol engine became part of lineups. Now, partnership is going to be extended to the hybrid segment.
Besides the new engine, we will see the new look of the 2021 Renault Kadjar. The crossover can find the inspiration in the new Megane hatchback. This car is more stylish than ever, becoming nearly a mini crossover. Still, Kadjar will be a larger vehicle and it can gain a few inches of length. Currently, it is 175 inches long and the new version will be closer to 180 in.
2021 Renault Kadjar Hybrid Rumors
There are a lot of speculations regarding the 2021 Renault Kadjar Hybrid drivetrain. Well, it is almost certain, although unconfirmed by the company. But, everything points to this direction. So, let’s start.
Renault is a part of the big alliance, alongside Nissan and Mitsubishi. The Japanese carmaker is definitely a leader in this group and the new Kadjar will take advantage of future moves by all three manufacturers. Every one of them will refresh their crossovers and launch in 2021 (Qashqai and Outlander). Renault is ahead of its partners since the new Kadjar is adopting the design language from the previously launched Clio and Captur.
The 2021 Kadjar Hybrid is a response to the Peugeot 3008, which also introduced hybrid technology. However, Renault is not going to follow its archrival in total power. Peugeot tuned its small SUV to 300 horsepower. Instead, the E-Tech will again take place in another vehicle, after the abovementioned Clio and Captur.
Still, the Kadjar needs a bit more power, since the configuration throws out 160 horsepower for its smaller sibling. The plug-in hybrid variant might get a boost from a battery larger than 10 kWh. The base unit remains a 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol drivetrain. The question is – how big will be electric motors.
No More Diesels
The standard configuration will continue to use a 1.3-liter TCe powerplant with either 140 or 160 hp. The latest redesign that happened last season brought this engine as one of the biggest changes. Nissan Qashqai, Kadjar’s close sibling introduced the powertrain, which was later adopted by other vehicles across the lineup. The four-cylinder engine also adds 177-192 lb-ft of torque. This drivetrain replaced a couple of petrol units as the only gasoline option in the lineup. A six-speed manual and a seven-pace dual-clutch automatic transmission are available power routers.
A pair of diesel engines is questionable for the upcoming season. The smaller one is a legendary 1.5 dCi. Kadjar will lose a 115-hp option which also delivers 200 pound-feet of torque. Another diesel engine that is close to the end is the 1.8-liter 150-hp rated unit. Well, Nissan is not going to offer any of these for its Qashqai starting next season. We can expect the same move by Renault, if not in 2021, then in foreseeable future. Full electrification is one of the goals.
2021 Renault Kadjar Restyling and New Look
There are a few things we already know about the upcoming 2021 Renault Kadjar. The crossover will continue to use the same design language we saw on the latest Clio. This is the newest vehicle in the family and it brings revolutionary interior styling. The dominant feature is a huge touchscreen display at the center of the dashboard. The control panel is clean and control layout is easy to use. Well, Renault will have to improve the infotainment system to become more competitive. Of course, there is always a room for evolution.
The exterior will go through another facelift. Fans don’t mind, but after only two seasons, it might be too soon. The restyling will include the fresh front fascia, with new headlights and grille. Probably bumpers on both ends are getting an updated look. Also, the company might use lighter materials to put the Kadjar on diet and make it more efficient.
2021 Renault Kadjar Release Date
The crossover will be out early next season. The 2021 Kadjar Hybrid is going to follow, but the gap between two releases won’t be longer than a few months. The new version should be out by mid-year. The price is going to depend on the size of the electric battery, while the standard version is keeping the starting cost because of the buyers. Renault will offer plenty of options and the high-end trims will cost like premium crossovers.
Source: Autocar