Renault presented the new 2024 Kardian crossover.
The new Renault Kardian was presented at the global level, but will not appear on European roads yet. The B-segment subcompact crossover is launched first in South America, and then in other international markets. It is the first Renault car to be built on a new modular platform that can be used on everything from small crossovers to large pickups.
At 4,119mm long and with a 2,604mm wheelbase, the Kardian is slightly shorter than the European Captur, but shares a similar sideline and split rear pillar.
Where the design really differs is at the front, with the Captur sporting conventional claw-shaped LED headlamps, while the Kardian has split headlamps and a larger, squarer grille, giving the crossover a more powerful look.
The Kardian also promises to be more practical thanks to its large roof rails, which can support a load of 80kg and can even be unscrewed and reattached across the car.
The interior, which is very reminiscent of the Dacia Sandero, certainly benefits from an 8-inch infotainment system and Apple CarPlay wireless functionality, as well as a separate digital instrument package.
In terms of safety, it's also the only car to offer blind spot monitoring and a multi-view camera system, according to Renault. Adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and start assist are also part of the package.
Under the hood.
Despite the rigidity of the strut and support plates, the Kardian only sends power to the front wheels. That power comes from a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine mated to a dual-clutch transmission and generating 123 hp. and 220 Nm of torque. Hybrid technologies are not offered for markets in developing countries.
Renault will start production initially at the Curitiba plant in Brazil and then expand production at the Casablanca plant in Morocco.