Renault Kadjar gets more power with new 163bhp petrol engine

The Renault Kadjar – a popular option for those after a mid-size SUV like the Kia Sportage, SEAT Ateca and mechanically similar Nissan Qashqai – has been updated with new engine and gearbox options.

The new TCe 165 petrol is a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, available with all trim levels save the entry-level Expression+. Producing 165bhp and paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, the new engine becomes the most powerful in the Kadjar range; it'll take the car from 0-62mph in a relatively sprightly 9.2 seconds.

The new petrol engine is available from £22,915, so costs roughly £1,700 more than an equivalent Dynamique Nav Kadjar with the less powerful 1.2-litre TCe petrol. Economy for the TCe 165 petrol is officially rated at 47.1mpg, while CO2 emissions of 134g/km will leave company-car buyers liable for Benefit-in-Kind tax of 25% if they go for Dynamique Nav trim.

Renault has also taken the opportunity to broaden the Kadjar range in other ways, offering a new CVT automatic gearbox option with the dCi 130 (128bhp) 1.6-litre diesel engine. This engine was previously only offered with a manual gearbox, meaning those after an automatic diesel Kadjar had to make do with the less powerful dCi 110 1.5-litre engine, which continues to be offered with an EDC dual-clutch automatic or a six-speed manual.

Finally, the Kadjar’s keyless entry keycard – standard on Dynamique Nav trim and above – has been upgraded with a new ‘walkway’ function. This means that in addition to the Kadjar unlocking itself automatically when you approach it with the keycard about your person, it'll now lock itself when you walk away from it.

The Kadjar is available to order with the new options now.