• Generally high quality materials employed
• Digital instrumentation is easy to read
• High-spec models feature fine multimedia system

From behind the wheel of a Kadjar you’re presented with a nicely designed cabin. Before it was updated in 2018, a few of the plastics surrounding features such as the sat-nav, air vents and door handles were of lower grade and would scratch easily, but Renault addressed this and fitted the Kadjar with less of a mish-mash of materials. Elsewhere, the rest of the materials in the cabin feel refreshingly high quality for a car of this price.

The screen in the instrument binnacle projects a digital speedo directly in front of the driver, flanked by other information such as four-wheel drive operation (where fitted) and trip computer details, and it can all be configured with different colours and themes.

You’ve also got a 7.0-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system and this works very well, and now fits flush with the dashboard rather than inset. It’s not the slickest unit, feeling more dated than rivals’ offerings, but it’s easy enough to use and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

We found the driving position to be excellent. It’s high, as you’d expect for a car like this, and that means you’ve got terrific visibility of your surroundings, but the centre console sits quite high around you, so you don’t feel like you’re sitting on top of the car. The seats come with extendable bases as of 2018, too, boosting comfort of the already-impressive seats.

Comfort

• Very comfortable and supportive seats
• Larger alloy wheels spoil the ride quality
• Quiet interior with little noise coming in

In general, the Renault Kadjar’s comfort levels are incredibly high. In fact, the only issue comes with higher-spec cars that have 19-inch alloy wheels. The ride then becomes a little choppy, vibrating through the car and becoming a little annoying after a while.

The ride quality is actually fantastic once that little problem is addressed, but the best thing about the Kadjar when it comes to comfort is the seating. The front seats are simply brilliant; whether covered with leather or fabric, they’re cossetting and supremely supportive.

It’s an astonishingly quiet car too – especially with the excellent diesel engines installed. There isn’t much wind or road noise noticeable and actually it’s possible to have a conversation with passengers at very low volume. You’ll come away feeling relaxed after a long drive in the Kadjar. What more can you wish for?