Photo: Renault
We've always known that products like the Kadjar crossover and the Talisman D/E-segment sedan were aimed at Chinese consumers. In fact, Renault may have used the Talisman name instead of the Laguna one because it was already in use there. Now Renault has announced that the beautifully designed French crossover will be the first model to be assembled at a new China plant, which is due to start production early next year.
With demand for SUVs still rising in China, the Kadjar offers a huge opportunity to attract new buyers. Renault hopes it will be a repeat of alliance partner Nissan's fortunes in the largest market in the world.
In Europe, the Kadjar shares its engines with the Qashqai, yet is a little bit larger. The one major exception is the TCe 130, which is a downsized 1.2-liter turbo. We don't yet know what engines will be offered to Chinese consumers, even though the Kadjar enjoyed its "debut" today at the 2015 Guangzhou Auto Show. But we expect a choice of 1.6-liter turbo and 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engines will arrive in 2016.
SUVs represent an ever-growing proportion of the light vehicle market in China. Analysts predict that 22% of all the cars sold there will be soft-roaders by the end of this year. At the end of September 2015, the SUV market had achieved 4.1 million cars in China (on a total of 16.5 million), a year-on-year rise by 48.8%, Renault says.
While the market is still growing, it is approaching maturity. Several local manufacturers offer a competitive line of SUVs developed with or without the help of Western automakers.
Renault will try to tempt Chinese buyers with features like a panoramic sunroof, a 4X4 chassis and an independent rear suspension for more comfort. Kadjar also offers a range of connectivity features including park assistance and the R-Link infotainment system with a 7-inch screen.
"We want to extend the European success of Kadjar to China. China is a market with a very fast growing SUV segment. This is why Kadjar is the right car in the right market," said Mr. Jérôme Stoll, Chief Performance Officer and Executive VP Sales & Marketing of the Renault Group. "This new product offers the opportunity to continue Renault’s global development, particularly in China where Renault has ambitious plans."
In Europe, the Kadjar shares its engines with the Qashqai, yet is a little bit larger. The one major exception is the TCe 130, which is a downsized 1.2-liter turbo. We don't yet know what engines will be offered to Chinese consumers, even though the Kadjar enjoyed its "debut" today at the 2015 Guangzhou Auto Show. But we expect a choice of 1.6-liter turbo and 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engines will arrive in 2016.
SUVs represent an ever-growing proportion of the light vehicle market in China. Analysts predict that 22% of all the cars sold there will be soft-roaders by the end of this year. At the end of September 2015, the SUV market had achieved 4.1 million cars in China (on a total of 16.5 million), a year-on-year rise by 48.8%, Renault says.
While the market is still growing, it is approaching maturity. Several local manufacturers offer a competitive line of SUVs developed with or without the help of Western automakers.
Renault will try to tempt Chinese buyers with features like a panoramic sunroof, a 4X4 chassis and an independent rear suspension for more comfort. Kadjar also offers a range of connectivity features including park assistance and the R-Link infotainment system with a 7-inch screen.
"We want to extend the European success of Kadjar to China. China is a market with a very fast growing SUV segment. This is why Kadjar is the right car in the right market," said Mr. Jérôme Stoll, Chief Performance Officer and Executive VP Sales & Marketing of the Renault Group. "This new product offers the opportunity to continue Renault’s global development, particularly in China where Renault has ambitious plans."
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