
Renault has revealed its first new model in a range of vehicles that is intended for non-European markets, the Kardian.
The crossover showcases the brand’s new stylistic identity, featuring the revised Renault badge and a new signature lighting pattern, and it inaugurates a new modular platform that will enable the development of a diverse range of models ranging between four and five metres in length.
Unfortunately, Renault South Africa confirmed to TopAuto that the “Kardian is not part of the South African line-up released by Renault International,” so it probably won’t be landing on local roads any time soon.
However, this doesn’t mean that we won’t be getting any of the other vehicles that will be built on the same foundation, which are still to be unveiled.
Kardian specifications
The new Kardian boasts a distinctive look not found anywhere else in the Renault stable, courtesy of a 3D diamond-pattern grille, the new “Nouvel’R” brand logos on the nose and tailgate, and a dual-level LED headlight layout that positions the daytime-running lights and indicators in a thin strip on top and the headlamps themselves below.
The rear sports the brand’s signature C-shaped tail lamps, and it sits on 17-inch wheels in black and polished aluminium.
In addition, the crossover is equipped with flexible roof bars that can be mounted lengthwise and crosswise using the right spanner, which can hold up to 80km of cargo, as well as front and rear skid plates in silver.
Standing at just 4.12m long, 1.75m wide, and 1.54m high, the Kardian is slightly larger than something like the Kiger but smaller than the Duster.
Like the rest of the Renault crossover range, the newcomer brings a tech-focused cabin with a number of advanced features on offer.
Depending on the selected trim level, the Kardian comes with a 7-inch digital dashboard featuring several individual layouts for driving information, an 8-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charger, ambient lighting, a joystick-style “e-shifter” gear selector, and an electric parking brake.
It is packed with up to 13 advanced driver-assistance systems, too, including but not limited to blind-spot warnings, a multi-view camera programme, adaptive cruise control, a safe-distance alert system, frontal collision warning, active emergency braking, hill-start assist, a speed limiter.
Additionally, the centre console provides up to eight litres of storage, bringing the total cabin storage space to 26 litres.
In Brazil where it will hit the market first, the Kardian is powered by a 1.0-litre, turbocharged petrol motor matched with a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The configuration sends 92kW and 220Nm to the front wheels and provides Eco, Sport, and MySense drive settings, as well as a Start/Stop system for optimal fuel usage.