Renault Kadjar - Petrol vs Diesel

[SC_Nerd]

Hi Everyone,

Currently I have a 2013 Renault Clio IV Dynamique 0.9T.
I am looking to get a Renault Kadjar. It comes in two options, a 1.2T petrol or 1.6 DCi 4x4. Only going to the Dynamique model as well on both variants.

I am having trouble deciding which variant to take. I never had a diesel vehicle before but I also would want a 4x4 vehicle (now this isn't a requirement, it is a nice to have because I've always wanted a vehicle that's 4x4). And I figured I could kill two birds with one stone here and get the 4x4 version because as far as I've seen, there isn't a 4x4 vehicle that is not diesel. But again, I never had a diesel vehicle, so what are the things I should look out for or consider when making this decision ?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a diesel over petrol ?
Are spare parts generally more expensive for diesel than petrol ?

Specifically to the Kadjar:
Is it worth taking a 4x4 of this vehicle, is it good enough?
Does the non 4x4 version handle off road just as good ? (I won't be going up big hills and stuff like that, just something good enough for gravel road compared to my Clio).
Is the fuel economy similar to what the manufacturer says?
Are parts easily available for it?
Is it a smooth ride, on road ?

Thanks in advance for all the feedback!

 

[HButton]

I have always driven petrol cars and when I got my diesel is changed my life!

You go so far!!

 

[SC_Nerd]

I have always driven petrol cars and when I got my diesel is changed my life!

You go so far!!

What about the maintenance costs ? Has it been more compared to petrol ?

 

[HButton]

What about the maintenance costs ? Has it been more compared to petrol ?

There might be that diesel is more expensive, bit could not see it on my bill at the service to be honest. But with the price of fuel and services being once or twice a year. Think it will be same. But fuel fluctuations is harder to guess than a service cost

 

[Freeman]

My wife has diesel 2x4 automatic Kadjar. It has been better than I was expecting. We use it for karting the kids around. Average fuel consumption has been around 6.2l/100km.

As for servicing costs. seems about the same as any other car. At the 90k service they did replace the cambelt, that cost 12k.

 

[iamgigglz]

The Kadjar is basically a Qashqai in a pretty dress and that 1.6DCi motor is used by Mercedes Benz, Nissan and Renault so spares availability for that won't be a problem. We had some questionable experiences with spares for our Duster but since you have a Clio already you're obviously happy with how Renault has treated you.

I wouldn't think twice about buying the diesel. The petrol gets around well enough but the moment you add any weight (adult passengers or holiday luggage etc) you'll feel the struggle. The diesel's inherent torque just makes it generally more capable, even if it's ultimately slower on the redline.

As for 4x4, I'd go 2WD for your use case. We bought the 2WD Renault Duster 1.5DCi and it took my family of four all over the country over some pretty rough terrain no problem. The only times I stopped and said "I wish I had 4WD" was at the beach and at the bottom of Sani Pass.
The lighter weight of 2WD means better fuel economy and performance, there's less to go wrong, and in the case of the Duster the boot was deeper because there wasn't a rear differential in the way.

"Is it a smooth ride?" - Any dealership that actually wants to sell you a car will let you take it for a proper test drive. Sit in the car for a while before you drive out so you have time to figure out buttons etc and your drive can be focused on how the car actually feels. It's easy to be overwhelmed by the new experience of a different car and you won't get a proper feel for it.