Renault Kiger : The Renault Kiger has found a unique space in the hotly-contested compact SUV segment with its outlandish design and value features.
Targeted at urban customers in the B-segment and first-time SUV buyers, the Kiger combines style, features, space, and SUVlike float, and of course, it’s priced attractively.
But how does it stand up under real-world use? Here’s what we love and what we think the Kiger could do better.
Renault Kiger Design: Stylish and Youthful
Renault has actually done a good job with the Kiger to create its own sense of identity. It gets the snappy looking front end with LED DRLs and chiseled bonnet, that is inspired from the genes of Renault’s world SUVs.
The two-tone colour options and contrasting roof options give it a sportier feel.
It has a more SUV appearance from the side with the strong character lines, 16-inch alloy wheels and roof rails. Although small in size, it seems to have a dominant road stance and presence, especially in higher trims. The rear, which features C-shaped LED taillights and a faux skid plate, completes the sporty look.
Inside: A Dash of Premium With Practicality
And inside, the Kiger has a thoughtful cabin. The materials are primarily hard plastics, but the design is modern.
With an 8-inch floating touchscreen, digital instrument cluster and piano-black accents, the dashboard sets a tech-forward feel in the cabin.
There are plenty of places to put stuff too, with multiple cupholders, bottle holders and a big glovebox.
Rear-seat space is actually decent for a compact SUV and at 405 litres, the boot is one of the best in its class, which means the Kiger is surprisingly luggage friendly.
Performance: Urban Comfort for the Weekend Warrior
The Renault Kiger gets two petrol engine options:
There’s a 1.0L NA producing 72 PS.
A 1.0L turbo-petrol motor churning out 100 PS
While the rotaries without auxiliary induction are great for pothole dodging city grids, or fuel sipping drivers, the turbo version adds enough extra punch for highway blasting and overtaking.
Gearbox include 5-speed manual, AMT (NA engine) and CVT (turbo). It’s not the snappiest, most rewarding setup on the block, but: Direct-injected and mated to a continuously variable transmission, the 2.0-liter is very smooth (and a perfect city car powertrain), with decent torque and only a slightly fluffy character when you floor it.
Kiger is very comfortable in ride quality. It does a good job over potholes and rough patches and will be able to take on to our Indian conditions with ease.
The steering is light, a plus for city driving and parking, but a sense of connection is missing at higher speeds.
Features and Tech: It’s All Here
Feature-wise, the higher-end trims come with:
8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
Wireless phone charging
Arkamys sound system
TFT digital instrument cluster
Pushbutton start and keyless entry
Automatic climate control
Ventilated seats, and a sunroof the utility can live without, but the basics are covered well for this price point.
Safety: Decent Protection
For safety, the The Kiger gets four airbags (top-end), ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, with electronic stability control on the turbo models. Recently, it got 4 stars on adult safety in the Global NCAP, so really solid credentials for a car in this segment.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Bold and attractive design
Peppy performance from turbo engine option
Spacious boot (405 litres)
Decent suspension for city and bad roads
Competitive pricing
High rating for security (Global NCAP)
Cons:
Cabin quality could be better
No sunroof or ventilated seats
Performance is blunted a tad by the CVT
No diesel option
Tight rear-seat room for taller adults
Renault Kiger Final Verdict
The Renault Kiger is a competent compact SUV that fits the bill for urban buyers. It delivers some stylish looks, contemporary amenities, a strong safety score, and the ability to add a turbo engine to the mix — all for a cost that’s firmly under that of many rivals.
If you desire feature-filled, fuel-efficient SUV that appears premium without blowing a hole in your pocket, the Renault Kiger should appeal to you.