The award-winning 2017 Ford Everest SUV range is now available with a rear-wheel-drive variant, designed to suit buyers who like the size, space and power of the Everest, but don’t need the cost and complexity associated with the multi-mode four-wheel drive system.
Pros For the most part, its the same car for $5000 less Light steering and easy to drive Still comfy and practical for family and towing duties
Cons Rides like an off roader, so there are better options if urban comfort is your game No reach adjustment on steering wheel Just the single Trend grade available
Visually, the rear-wheel drive (RWD) Ford Everest Trend is almost impossible to pick from 4WD versions. Same with the drive experience contributed to by the 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel, the packaging and the towing abilities. So, other than a $5000 price saving over the $60,990 (plus ORCs) 4WD Trend. Apart from a small, essentially useless, receptacle in the centre console, there’s precious little that visually separates Ford’s rear-wheel drive Everest Trend from its four-wheel drive equivalent.
Pros Well-planned, versatile interior Safety technology Some customers simply don’t need 4WD
Cons Some customers simply want 4WD One-way only steering wheel adjustment Engine noisy at times
The Renault Kadjar is a stylish crossover that's based on the same platform as the Nissan Qashqai. But, while the Qashqai took undisputed class honours when it arrived in early 2014, the game has moved on, and the Renault equivalent betters it in almost every area. However, the Renault just falls short of the all round appeal of the SEAT Ateca. There's a single body style for the Kadjar, and it slots into the Renault range above the Captur. Both of these models will be joined by the larger Koleos SUV later in 2017. There are four trim levels to choose from: the entry-level, air con-equipped Expression+, the mid-spec Dynamique and Dynamique S, while at the top of the range is Signature trim. Cars in top-spec trim are expensive, but they do boast a generous amount of kit, including a Bose stereo, 19-inch alloy wheels, and touchscreen nav is included on Dynamique models and above. The Kadjar earned a five-star rating when it was tested by Euro NCAP, just like the Nissan Qashqai. All but the entry-level model has lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition as standard. Autonomous emergency braking, which will automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent, is an option on all trim levels.
The Renault Kadjar is a family crossover that not only rivals the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan, but is also a worthy alternative to best-selling hatchbacks such as the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. The Kadjar shares many parts with the Nissan Qashqai, but its body is a bit bigger. This means you get slightly more passenger space and a larger boot. The Renault’s interior also packs a high-tech infotainment system and an eye-pleasing dashboard.
Pros Competitive price Practical cabin Excellent fuel economy
Cons Just one petrol engine High-end models are expensive Sunroof reduces rear headroom
As a small SUV, the Kadjar is also a rival to the Kia Sportage, Seat Ateca and Skoda Yeti, but it's the aforementioned Nissan that it has most in common with, because it uses the same platform and engines. This means Kadjar buyers can choose from turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5- and 1.6-litre diesels, although the 1.6 is the only option if you want four-wheel drive. In terms of interior space, the Kadjar and Qashqai are closely matched, and both offer a high-riding driving postion that gives you a good view down the road. However, the Kadjar's styling is closer to that of its smaller SUV sibling, the Renault Captur.