Renault Kadjar 2015-2022: How to Remove the Bumpers

Production Years and Model Code

The Renault Kadjar is a compact crossover introduced in 2015 as the successor to the first-generation Renault Koleos. Production continued until 2022, after which the Kadjar was replaced by the updated Renault Austral.

The model code varies depending on the generation and market:

• First generation (2015–2022) – XZH for the European market.
• Facelift (2019) – The updated Kadjar received minor exterior and interior changes, but the model code remained the same.

The Kadjar was developed on the CMF-CD platform, shared with the second-generation Nissan Qashqai, explaining their technical similarities.

 

Model Overview

Design and Dimensions

The Kadjar stood out with its sporty and modern design, featuring Renault’s signature radiator grille, arrow-shaped headlights, and pronounced body lines. The car’s length was approximately 4.45 meters, placing it between compact and midsize crossovers.

Interior

The cabin offered spacious seating for five, with comfortable seats and good sound insulation. Base versions came with a simple infotainment system, while top trims featured the R-Link 2 touchscreen (7 or 8.7 inches), a digital instrument cluster, and premium materials.

Technical Specifications

Engines:

• Petrol:
  • 1.2 TCe (130 HP) – Turbocharged but underpowered for the heavy body.
  • 1.3 TCe (140–160 HP) – More dynamic, introduced after the facelift.
• Diesel:
  • 1.5 dCi (90–115 HP) – Fuel-efficient but noisy at high RPM.
  • 1.6 dCi (130 HP) – Best balance of power and fuel economy.

Transmissions:

• 6-speed manual;
• 7-speed EDC automated transmission (in top versions).

Drivetrain – Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (Alliance 4Control with Haldex clutch).

 

Bumper Plastic Markings >P/E+TD15<

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How to Remove the Front Bumper

1. Lift and secure the hood.
2. Remove four push-pins under the hood that secure the upper part of the front bumper (radiator grille).
3. From underneath, unscrew eight Torx T20 screws and four 10mm bolts securing the wheel arch liners, engine undercover, and fender extensions to the lower part of the bumper.
4. Turn the steering wheel to the side. In the wheel arches, unscrew two screws on each side securing the liners.
5. Release the fender extensions from the bumper (held by clips). Gently pull them outward, starting from the bottom.
6. Move the wheel arch liners aside and unscrew one screw on each side securing the bumper corners to the fenders.
7. Release four clips on each side in the fenders. Pull the bumper corner outward. If clips resist, carefully pry them with a flathead screwdriver.
8. With an assistant, pull the bumper forward and disconnect the wiring harnesses. If equipped with headlight washers, disconnect the hoses.

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How to Remove the Rear Bumper

1. Open the trunk lid and unscrew eight bolts underneath—four securing the taillights and four securing the upper part of the rear bumper.
2. Remove the taillights by opening the side trunk trim panels, unscrewing the long plastic nuts, and pulling the lights out.
3. Go under the car and unscrew seven bolts, two of which secure the wheel arch extensions.
4. Sides:
   • Release the wheel arch extensions from the bumper (clip-held). Pull evenly from bottom to top.
   • Unscrew three bolts on each side securing the liners. Behind them, unscrew one bolt per side securing the bumper corners to the fenders.
5. Remove the license plate and its frame. Unscrew two bolts behind the plate.
6. Most challenging part: The fender clips. The bumper brackets have fragile clips—easily broken. Pull the bumper corner downward and outward, then carefully release five clips per side using a flathead screwdriver.
7. With an assistant, pull the bumper backward. On the left side, disconnect the wiring harnesses.

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Interesting Facts

• Joint project with Nissan – The Kadjar and second-gen Qashqai were co-developed, but the Kadjar has a more French design.
• Name origin – Combines Kad (from "cadre," referencing sturdiness) and Jar (French jaillir, meaning "dynamic").
• No hybrid versions – Unlike rivals, the Kadjar never got a hybrid option.
• Popular in Europe – Ranked among the top 10 crossovers sold in France and Germany (2016–2018).

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Comfortable suspension – Handles bumps well, ideal for long trips.
• Spacious trunk (472 L, up to 1,478 L with seats folded).
• Fuel-efficient diesels – 1.5 dCi averages ~4.5 L/100 km.
• Affordable on the used market – Prices dropped after the Austral’s release.

Cons:

• Weak base engines – The 1.2 TCe lacks power.
• Expensive maintenance – AWD repairs cost more than rivals.
• Early electronic issues – Glitches in the infotainment system.
• Hard interior plastics – Base trims feel cheaper than a Skoda Karoq or VW Tiguan.

 

Conclusion

The Renault Kadjar is a solid crossover for city driving and trips, especially with diesel engines. It offers comfort, efficiency, and practicality but lags behind rivals in performance and interior quality. Post-2022, it became a bargain on the used market, though facelifted models (2019+) are more reliable.