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Acclaimed By Critics, The New Powertrain Of The Renault Kardian SUV Generates Debate Among Mechanics Due To Gearbox Problems, Raising Questions About Its Long-Term Reliability.
The Renault Kardian arrived in Brazil as a turning point for the brand, bringing a modern and award-winning mechanical set. However, the 1.0 turbo 3-cylinder engine, although praised, works with a dual-clutch transmission that is already presenting serious problems. This generates a controversy in the market: is this a good deal or a future headache for owners?
A 1.0 Turbo Engine Of Noble And Award-Winning Lineage
The launch of the Kardian signals a new phase for Renault in Brazil. At the center of this strategy is its powertrain. The 1.0 turbo TCe engine, with project code HR10, was quickly acclaimed. It received the prestigious “Engine Of The Year” award from Autoesporte magazine, a remarkable achievement for the brand.
Manufactured in Brazil by Horse, a partnership between Renault and the Chinese Geely, this three-cylinder engine delivers impressive numbers. It generates 125 hp with ethanol and 220 Nm of torque. It has the highest torque among compact SUVs with a 1.0 turbo engine in the country.
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Its engineering is modern. The engine shares about 70% of its components with the 1.3 TCe engine, a project developed in partnership with Mercedes-Benz. This means it inherits advanced technologies. Among them are the special coating in the cylinders (Bore Spray Coating) and polymer bearings, aimed at reducing friction and increasing durability. It is essential not to confuse this engine with the old and problematic 1.2 TCe European engine, which belongs to another generation.
The Transmission That Worries Mechanics And Owners
If the engine is the star, the transmission is the center of the controversy. The Kardian debuts in Brazil with the 6-speed dual-clutch automated gearbox (EDC), with the code DW23. This gearbox features a wet clutch, oil-cooled, a system designed to be more robust than dry clutch systems, like the problematic PowerShift from Ford.
However, reality has been concerning, according to a report by the portal Mobiauto, the majority of serious complaints about the Kardian converge on the transmission. Owners report “clunks” and high metallic jerks in low-speed maneuvers. In addition to the noises, electronic failures arise with alerts to “check gearbox” on the dashboard.
The replacement of the transmission assembly has an alarming cost, ranging between R$ 40,000 and R$ 48,000. For now, the factory warranty covers the costs. However, this creates a “time bomb” for the used car market, where a failure can represent a total financial loss for the future owner.
What Do Tests And The Workshop Say?
The analysis of specialists and mechanics reveals a clear pattern. The 1.0 turbo HR10 engine has proven to be reliable. According to the portal Autoo, complaints about it are rare and treated as isolated incidents by Renault, such as a sealing failure of an injector or a loose fuel hose. In technical disassemblies, the engine has been praised for its robustness and good maintenance space.
In contrast, according to the portal Mobiauto, the EDC transmission is the focus of almost all criticisms. Renault’s response to the noises has varied, from part replacements to the claim that it would be a “characteristic” of the system. In cases of total failure, the brand performs a complete exchange for subsequent technical analysis, without providing a public explanation about the cause of the defect.
According to the portal Carros na Web, owners’ frustration is exacerbated by other reports, such as the scarcity of replacement parts and noises in the interior finishing.
The Safe Exit To Enjoy The 1.0 Turbo Engine?
In light of the uncertainty surrounding the EDC transmission, the arrival of a version with a manual gearbox with 6 gears is seen as a safe alternative. This configuration combines the praised performance of the 1.0 turbo engine with the reliability and lower maintenance cost of a traditional manual transmission.
For the buyer seeking the benefits of Renault’s new project but has an aversion to risk, the manual version presents itself as a true “safe harbor”. It allows enjoying the power and efficiency of the engine without the vehicle’s main vulnerability.
Is The Renault Kardian With The 1.0 Turbo Engine Worth It?
The powertrain of the Kardian is a study in contrasts. The 1.0 turbo engine is undoubtedly a leap in quality, powerful and efficient. In isolation, it is not a headache. The problem lies with its partner, the EDC gearbox, which concentrates all the risk.
For the version with the automatic gearbox (EDC): Yes, there is a high potential for headaches. The risk of failure, the cost of repair outside the warranty, and the inconvenience are significant. It is a high-risk purchase, especially in the used market.
For the version with the manual gearbox: No, it is unlikely that this version will become a headache. It offers the best of both worlds: the excellent engine combined with a reliable gearbox. This is the most rational and recommended choice for those wanting the Kardian.
Quem faz o test drive leva o kardian. Dirigibilidade e conforto muito superiores. Carro feito pro Brasil, aguenta 30km/h em lombada. Enquanto isso a vw mete nivus e tera cheios de plástico, motor aspirado manco na primeira versão e que raspa em qualquer coisa esses gol bombado! Ainda por cima mais caros! E dizer que a chance de dor de cabeça com o kardian é alta, é muita falta de imparcialidade.
Uso o câmbio da Mercedes-Benz!
Tenho um Stepway 2015 manual com motor K7M e não troco por esse “Sandero” disfarçado nem a ****. Faltou pouco para ser considerado uma tempestade perfeita. Combinaram tudo de ruim ( bloco de alumínio, turbo, três cilindro) só faltou a famigerada correia banhada em óleo.