Renault Should Consider Kadjar Crossover For India

Renault says one in five cars sold worldwide last year was a crossover. And that is why it believes the Kadjar is the right product at the right time. The new car is focused on two markets in particular - Western Europe and China - where the share of crossovers is higher than the world average. It comes off the CMF or Common Module Family platform - which has also spawned it's alter ego - the Nissan Qashqai's latest generation a few months ago. The Kadjar will have 2 and 4 wheel drive variants.

The engine range is also to be shared with the Qashqai - with everything from a1.2 petrol to a 1.6 turbodiesel on offer. The car is very suited to our market too, but will face the sane dilemma Nissan have had with the Qashqai - how to position the cars with respect to existing products in the Indian lineup - namely the Terrano and Duster. But having said that - both cars, but more so the very modern and stylish looking Kadjar - could be the right products for India too. The idea would be to seek a more premium positioning - that rivals plush sedans like the Octavia or Jetta, and sits clearly 2 lakh rupees higher than the top-end Duster/Terrano. It is a space that could be well exploited in India - what with the ix25 from Hyundai also arriving there soon. After all, the Duster has a more traditional SUV profile while the Kadjar is sleeker, and a more stylish crossover, with superior interiors and better equipment. Renault - are you listening?