2018 Renault Kadjar: Spy Shots and Facelift Changes

Renault’s newest crossover is definitely getting some changes for this year. The first-ever Kadjar has been introduced as the 2015 model, which means that the 2018 Renault Kadjar should host a mid-cycle refresh. The French car manufacturer hasn’t revealed anything regarding the changes, though it’s quite obvious what the idea is.

The automaker is focused on the car’s ends. More precisely, the front end of the crossover should get updated headlights and a redesigned grille. In addition, the vehicle could look more aggressive thanks to the new front bumper that’s getting a larger air intake. In the rear, the 2018 Renault Kadjar hides a new bumper and likely a pair of restyled taillights. And while the aforementioned exterior changes are not bringing any extra value, the cabin of the refreshed SV is going to host a number of useful improvements. Aside from it’s going to feature a new upholstery treatment the interior will be enriched with a new dashboard and a bigger and better infotainment display. Plus, the carmaker won’t miss the chance to add the latest safety features.

The majority of mid-cycle updates end without any big performance changes, but this won’t be the case with the 2018 Kadjar. No, Renault’s second-biggest crossover will likely switch the current 1.2-liter turbo with a new 1.3-liter engine. The new mill has been developed in collaboration with Daimler and it’s available in Mercedes’ few compacts already. Under the hood of the new A-Class, the engine delivers 115 hp (85 kW), 140 hp (103 kW), and 160 hp (120 kW), so we suppose it’s going to produce pretty much the same amount of power beneath the bonnet of the 2019 Kadjar.

The SUV will probably keep its diesel units untouched, which means that the buyers can expect a 1.5-liter dCi that delivers 110 horsepower (82 kilowatts) and the topping 1.6-liter dCi with 130 hp (97 kW). All engines will be paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic, while power should feed front wheels only. The crossover will yet again offer optional AWD, but in contrast to the current model that has the feature just with the manual gearbox, the refreshed version will be able to combine AWD with the six-speed dual-clutch as well.

If everything goes according to Renault’s plan, the facelifted version of the SUV will be introduced in the second half of the year and we don’t know any better place for them even from the 2018 Paris Motor Show.