RENAULT KIGER

 Another month and another new compact SUV.  Today is the Renault Kiger and it’s the French car makers cool new entry into the hot compact SUV segment.

DIMENSIONS

LENGTH (mm)	3991
WIDTH (mm)	1750
HEIGHT (mm)	1600
WHEELBASE (mm)	2500
GROUND CLEARANCE (LADEN) (mm)	205
KERB WEIGHT (kg)	1012
NO. OF DOORS	5
SEATING CAPACITY	5

 EXTERIOR

Like the others,  Kiger just measures under 4 metres in length and it’s 2500mm wheelbase is also at power with most rivals. However, the Kiger is a bit narrower than all others. From the front it’s almost the same design as the Kwid nothing much has changed. There’s a Day time running LED (DRLs) beneath is the 3 cube headlamps which looks quiet cool. On the centre front is the grill with big Renault logo in the middle. Coming towards  the side, there’s the chunky R16 wheels which look quiet cool. Coming towards the back, this car looks fairly substantial. Starting from the top there’s a rear wiper and defogger, beneath is the Renault Kiger’s badging. There is an aluminium skit plate at the bottom which is very striking. Reverse parking camera is in the middle of the Renault Logo & Sensors are on the bumper. On the top there are the Roof-Rails that are actually functional and can hold upto 50kgs. There is also a shark fin antenna on the top. Overall the car looks pretty attractive on the road.

INTERIOR

The Renault Kiger is built on CMFA Plus platform and there are certain elements shared with this platform mates inside this cabin. Renault Kiger’s interior is the combination of Renault Triber and the newly launched Nissan Magnite. Though it is not that appealing as its competitors but after you will use it you will be used to it. What Kiger stands out is how thoughtfully it’s been designed. There are numerous  storing spaces inside the cabin, first- there are 2 glove boxes, second- space for 1 litre bottle holders in each of four doors, third- there’s an armrest with lots of storage spaces, very similar to the Tata Nexon. Bottom centre has some storage space to keep your phone or wallet, and also there’s a wireless charging lower down on the centre console. On the front there’s an 8inch touchscreen with wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto. So, the cabin is neat and practical but how’s it on that feel good factor. There is hard plastic all around the cabin but the plastic quality is good, which is acceptable for the price. The wide centre console that houses a drive mode selector gets a nice glossy black finish, the chrome highlights around the gear lever looks appealing. Something which enhances is the digital instrumental cluster that gives almost all the important information. The down points inside the cabin are the- basic roof lining, flimsy interior and the upper glove box’s non-damped opening. Front seats  are quiet good as the driver’s perspective. Even the rear seats are also quiet comfortable as it offers good thigh support & recline angle is also decent. Headroom & Legroom both are sufficient (as tested by some reviewers whose height was around 6ft.).  Rear seat has 2 headrest and an armrest with mobile and cup holders. There is ample space for 3 adults at the rear. What’s also really impressive is the boot that is the biggest in the segment. You can fit in plenty of luggage here. Also, boot compartments are available in the accessories and seats with 60:40 are also in the accessories .  

ENGINE SPECS

	NORMAL PETROL	TURBO PETROL
ENGINE	999c, 3Cyl, petrol	999c, 3Cyl, turbo petrol
POWER	72bhp	100bhp
TORQUE	96nm@3500rpm	160nm@3200rpm
GEARBOX	5-Speed MT/5-Speed AMT	5-Speed MT/CVT Auto

 

The normal petrol engine surely will feel underpowered with only 72hp and only 96nm of Torque. This engine has to pull a compact SUV, so Renault should have given a better petrol engine. But we should accept it, as it is coming at cost of around 6-7 lakh rupees.

The game changes when it comes to Turbo petrol with it’s 100hp and 160nm of Torque. There is an instant pickup with this car. The drive even enhances when you switch into Sports mode. Response time enhances by a huge margin. It’s quite a lot of fun in sports mode.

PRICES

NORMAL PETROL ENGINE

VARIANTS	EX-SHOWROOM (Delhi)(Rs)	ON-ROAD PRICES (Delhi)
RXE	5,45,000	5,93,400
RXL (MT/AMT)	6,14,000/6,59,000	6,86,000/7,35,000
RXT (MT/AMT)	6,60,000/7,05,000	7,36,000/7,86,000
RXZ (MT/AMT)	7,55,000/8,00,000	8,41,000/8,91,000

 

TURBO PETROL ENGINE

VARIANTS	EX-SHOWROOM (Delhi)(Rs)	ON-ROAD PRICES (Delhi)
RXE	-	-
RXL (MT/CVT)	7,14,000	7,96,000
RXT (MT/CVT)	7,60,000/8,60,000	8,47,000/9,57,000
RXZ (MT/CVT)	8,55,000/9,55,000	9,52,000/10,62,000

 In my opinion, it is a good car to go with simply because of it's pricing. But there are two down points. First is the service center, I don't know about the service cost or how the staff treats their consumers. Second, the build quality because it is very similar to Nissan Magnite. The Magnite's bumper quality or the grill feels below average and also the build of the whole car.  

Do share your thoughts in the comments down below!!