The model portfolios of Renault and Nissan keep converging, and thanks to their extensive technology and platform sharing. The latest evidence is in the compact-SUV segment, which is growing not just in North America but in Europe as well, where Renault is welcoming yet another entry: the Kadjar, a close relative of the ever-popular Nissan Rogue.
If you wonder what Kadjar means, we'll save you the trouble of Googling: The word has no meaning. Which means it fits perfectly into a lineup that includes the Captur and the Koleos. Moreover, it is the sister model of another tongue-twister: The European-market Nissan Qashqai.
Conceived by Renault's Design team under former Mazda chief designer Laurens van Acker, the great differentiator for the Kadjar is its styling. The flowing, muscular shapes and rounded surfaces provide a marked contrast to the angularity of some of Nissan's more recent models. The Kadjar is feminine and smooth, where the Rogue, which has a longer wheelbase, and the Qashqai look technical and masculine.
- Info and Specs: 2015 Nissan Rogue
- Instrumented Test: 2014 Nissan Rogue SL AWD
- Nissan's smart rearview mirror
Viewed from the side, the French SUV even appears to be lifting its skirt. But alas, there isn't much of interest hiding below. The Kadjar will be powered by same off-the-shelf four-cylinder engines that propel the European-market Qashqai with little enthusiasm. Front- and all-wheel drive versions will be available.
The Kadjar's features, though, help set it apart from the competition: such as an available large glass roof, LED headlights, and 360-degree parking sensors. But mostly, it looks good. In fact, we're thinking it wouldn't hurt if Nissan borrowed some inspiration from its corporate sibling's styling department and took advantage of its French connection.
from Car and Driver Blog http://ift.tt/nSHy27
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