The bigger brother to the Captur model, the Kadjar will rival models such as the Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga and is said to bring excellent economy and emissions with both 4×2 and 4×4 versions available.

The Kadjar will be manufactured in Palencia, Spain for Europe. It will also be the first Renault vehicle to be manufactured in China following the signing of an agreement between Renault and Chinese car manufacturer Dongfeng in December 2013.

Debuting at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, the model is to play a big role in the brand’s plans for global growth and will go on sale initially in Europe and in many African and Mediterranean Basin countries, followed by China where the brand says it will ‘act as a powerful ambassador to drive the group’s growth’.

Built on the Renault-Nissan Alliance CMF (Common Module Family) platform, the new model is slightly larger than the Qashqai at 4.45 metres long x 1.84 metres wide with a low roofline of 1.60m.

Design features include LEDs in the form of the letter “C” for the daytime running lights along with rear lighting that creates a rippled light effect, as seen on the Captur concept car and a 1.4-square metre fixed glass sun roof.

Inside, the Kadjar offers advanced connectivity with the R-Link 2 multimedia system. Renault also promises impressive cabin space whilst the boot bring practical touches including handles located in the boot to access the 60/40-split rear seats. The boot also offers a choice of two different levels, with a “high” position with a completely flat floor to facilitate loading, or a “low” position to provide a maximum carrying capacity of 472 litres.

In addition the boot can be split into two or three sections and there’s also 30 litres of practical stowage space in the cabin.

No technical details have been released but Renault says the Kadjar will bring a range of particularly efficient engines which position it at the forefront of the segment in terms of low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, with a Stop and Start system available.

The Kadjar is available with either 4×2 or 4×4 transmission, with the all-wheel-drive offering a choice of three modes (Auto, LOCK and 2WD). It also brings 19cm ground clearance and approach and departure angles of 18 and 25 degrees respectively along with front and rear skid plates and a stainless steel boot sill guard.

Driving aids include “hands-free” parking, emergency brake assist, lane departure warning, road-sign recognition with speed limit alerts and a reversing camera.

The new Kadjar will go on sale in the summer in both Europe and markets in Africa and the Mediterranean Basin region and is scheduled to appear in RHD form in the UK in the autumn.