The very popular subcompact SUV segment in the country is getting more crowded than ever before. After the arrival of the Nissan Magnite in December, its alliance partner Renault is all set to launch its own version of the car in the market. The Kiger is built on the same CMFA+ platform as the Magnite, and shares many features as well as engines with it. The car was recently revealed to the world at its world premiere that took place in India and Renault is promising a product which will offer value for money and attract the buyer in more ways than one.
LOOKS
The Kiger reminds one of the popular Renault Kwid, but is also very similar to the concept model shown a couple of months back. What catches one’s attention instantly is the sculpted bonnet along with an aggressive bumper. The upper strip is formed by the front grille and LED daytime running lights which give the car an elevated stance. The three LED headlights encased in a chrome octagonal unit are quite unique too. On the rear, you get C-shaped LED tail lights, a rather big spoiler and aluminium-finish skid plates. The profile has typical SUV traits like square wheel arches, 16-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and a high ground clearance of 205 mm. Renault will offer the car in a wide range of single or dual tone colour options.
INTERIORS
The 8-inch touchscreen sits right at the centre of the dash and provides wireless connectivity with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The 7-inch all-digital instrument cluster is one of the highlights as it gives the cabin a very modern look. In the front, the Kiger offers a 710 mm distance between the seats – the best in its segment, according to Renault. There’s good space to store small articles with a total onboard capacity of 29 litres. Renault is promising the best boot capacity in the segment with 405 litres, which extends to 879 litres with the second row folded. There are a lot of other features on offer, which include a 3D sound system by Arkamys, which automatically adjusts the sound volume according to the speed of the vehicle at higher trim levels. You also get climate control, ambient lighting, reverse parking camera, wireless charging and an air purifier in the car.
ENGINE
There are two petrol engine options for the Renault Kiger. Both are 1.0 litre three-cylinder motors, one of which is naturally aspirated and the other turbocharged. The latter gives a power output of 100 PS and a torque of 160 Nm and promises a fuel efficiency of 20 km/litre. Renault is offering this engine with a five-speed manual gearbox along with a CVT option, just like the Magnite. The naturally aspirated engine churns out a much lower 72 PS and 96 Nm and comes with five-speed manual or AMT gearbox options. Like many other cars in the segment, there is no diesel engine on offer here.
DRIVE MODES
There are different driving modes on offer and the instrument cluster changes its colour and widget configuration according to the mode selected. The Normal mode provides an optimum driving parameter of the engine apt for city driving conditions while the Eco mode is inclined towards providing better fuel efficiency. It changes the overall appearance of the TFT into green, with the indicators, like an animated leaf, providing real-time feedback to maximize economic driving. However, if you are looking for a more spirited drive, the Sport mode comes in with crisper engine response and faster shifting. The screen appearance turns red with quick information of acceleration gauge, torque and power ratios. Owing to the platform, the company is promising a turning radius of 5.02 metres on the car.
SAFETY
The Kiger gets two front airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger along with two side airbags to round out the safety suite. The second row gets 3-point seat belts for two passengers, while the middle passenger gets a lap belt. Along with this, the hands-free system on the car includes an auto-lock function for the door when drivers walk away from the vehicle.
The Kiger will hit the roads soon and by all indications, it will be a car that will be priced aggressively, just like the 7-seater Triber as well as the Nissan Magnite. This only means that the segment is going to see even more competition now.