Renault planning hotter Kadjar RS SUV - Report

Will be sold alongside Nissan Qashqai Nismo.

According to Auto Express, Renault is planning to diversify the Kadjar's range by announcing a hotter version developed by the RenaultSport division. If true, it will be sold alongside the Nismo version of the Qashqai crossover which is also said to be in the works.

Dubbed as the Renault Kadjar RS, the unofficial render above previews what it would look like with the usual RS treatment. At the front, the Kadjar RS gets body-colored sportier bumpers, RS badging under the lozenge, and larger alloy rims. The side sills as well as the rear bumper are also painted in the body's color, and sports a moulded roof spoiler. For a dynamic stance, the Kadjar RS could be lowered by several millimeters.

Although no details exist on its interior, expect it to feature body-hugging sports seats, new instrument dials, performance-themed seat upholstery and trim, and aluminum pedals.

The Renault Kadjar RS could share the reported 1.8-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with the Nissan Qashqai Nismo, delivering as much as 266 bhp. Power will be sent to all four wheels via an AWD system, with torque transfer biased to the rear. The suspension will be stiffer for better road handling, while stopping power is expected to increase thanks to beefier brakes.

Also Read: Renault UK announces prices for Renault Kadjar; starts at £17,995

Its Japanese counterpart, the Nissan Qashqai Nismo is rumored to launch in 2016. So the Renault Kadjar RS could follow up with an expected launch in 2017.

Renault Kadjar - Image Gallery

[Source: Auto Express / X-Tomi Design]