2021 Renault Kiger compact SUV review

Renault did not wish to go for a typical boxy SUV look with the Kiger, which is obvious by its raked rear windscreen, tapering roofline and distinct spoiler aspect, all of which lends it a SUV-coupe-like profile. The standout function on the again are the 3D, C-shaped LED tail-lamps with gloss black components. The boot lid too has loads of cuts and creases and it additionally has a chunky rear bumper, physique cladding and a fake skid plate. What completes the SUV look is the 205mm of floor clearance, the roof rails which might take masses as much as 50 kg and the sensible 16-inch diamond-cut alloys. 

The Renault Kiger could be had in 6 exterior colors, with a dual-tone paint scheme accessible throughout your complete variant line-up. This explicit color on our check automotive, Caspian Blue, appeared decidedly superior beneath the Goan sunshine. 

What’s it like on the within?

Step contained in the Kiger and also you’re greeted with a neat dashboard, one that’s comparable in design to that of the Triber’s. An all-new 8-inch touchscreen, that’s slick sufficient in its operation, takes centre stage on the sprint. What actually is a boon is the wi-fi integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In its prime trims, the Kiger can also be geared up with a high-res, 7-inch digital instrument cluster that shows actually cool graphics relying on the drive mode you’re in, which we’ll get to in a bit. 

You gained’t discover any delicate contact supplies on the sprint however plastic high quality is greater than acceptable for the Kiger’s value. Renault has additionally achieved job to spruce up the cabin with chrome detailing across the gear lever, piano black components on the centre console and the local weather management knobs with built-in readouts (shared with the Magnite) look premium too. Nonetheless, there’s no escaping that prices have been lower as a way to value the Kiger so competitively. For instance, components like the inner rear- view mirror, sunglasses and roof lining really feel very fundamental.  

Up entrance, it’s simple to discover a comfy driving place and also you get view out of the cabin. The seats themselves are supportive, well-bolstered and have a cool sample on them. One of many highlights on the Kiger, although, is the house on provide for rear seat passengers. Headroom and legroom on the rear are each nice and the flat flooring additionally makes life simpler for the center passenger. The fold-down armrest can also be nicely positioned, and if something, it’s that the rear home windows are a bit small. 

There’s loads of headroom and kneeroom on provide on the rear.

The Kiger is likely one of the most sensible SUVs within the section, with a lot of space for storing contained in the cabin. That is due to sensible and enormous storage areas like the dual gloveboxes and the cental space for storing between the elbow field and the gear lever.)  The Kiger additionally impresses with a class-leading 405 litre boot. The mixture of a excessive loading lip and low boot flooring do make loading heavy baggage tough. Nonetheless, Renault will provide an adjunct shelf that makes the boot flooring degree with the opening. There’s additionally the added flexibility of 60:40 cut up rear seats.  

On the tools entrance, the range-topping Kiger RXZ has an Arkamys 3D sound system, keyless entry-go, computerized local weather management with PM 2.5 filter, ambient lighting, cooled glove field and energy folding mirrors, although the all-important sunroof is lacking and there are a couple of clean switches on the steering wheel, presumably for a cruise management that could possibly be added on a future replace. A wi-fi charger and an exterior air air purifier could be had as a part of an adjunct pack. Security options embrace 4 airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child-seat mounts, a rear-view digicam and parking sensors.

What’s it wish to drive?

Powering the Kiger are two, three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engines. There’s a naturally aspirated unit that places out 72hp and 96Nm of torque and could be had with both a 5-speed handbook or an AMT gearbox. This engine additionally does obligation within the Renault Triber. The opposite engine choice is the brand new HR10 turbo-petrol engine that made it’s debut on the Nissan Magnite and can discover its manner into various Renault-Nissan Alliance merchandise sooner or later. The unit produces 100hp and 160Nm of torque with a 5-speed handbook gearbox and 152Nm when paired to a CVT computerized. Renault expects the automated variants to make up 30 p.c of gross sales. Identical to within the Magnite, there’s no diesel choice with the Kiger, nor will there ever be because the CMF-A+ platform merely can not accommodate one. We obtained to pattern the Kiger turbo-petrol handbook on our drive in Goa. 

Thumb the starter button within the centre console and the engine involves life, settling right into a silent idle. Whereas the engine is comparatively quiet, you do really feel among the three-pot motor’s vibrations within the cabin, particularly on the steering wheel and equipment lever. 

Nonetheless, when you set off, the engine feels smoother and builds velocity with confidence even when its off-boost. The increase is available in at round 1,700rpm, but it surely does so with none distinguished surge or spike, as is widespread with turbocharged engines. Efficiency stays sturdy till previous 5,000rpm, after which it tapers off, although you may wind the engine to six,500rpm. Revving laborious makes the engine sound fairly loud and there’s no lacking that three-cylinder thrum both. The turbo-petrol Kiger responds keenly to fast faucets on the accelerator, which makes for simple overtaking or shortly filling gaps in site visitors. It has respectable low-range grunt too, however like different small capability turbo-petrol engine-powered automobiles you’ll must be conscious to be in the suitable gear on climbs. On the topic, the Kiger’s 5-speed handbook gearbox has lengthy throws and takes a little bit of effort to fit into the gates however, it’s exact sufficient. The clutch pedal nonetheless, is gentle and simple to modulate. 

Rotary dial, to toggle via the drive modes.

A serious speaking level on the Kiger is the inclusion of three driving modes – Regular, Eco and Sports activities. These modes are managed by way of a rotary dial on the centre console and so they alter the Kiger’s throttle response and steering. These modes do make a noticeable distinction to the Kiger’s efficiency, with the automotive feeling most responsive in Sports activities mode. The digital dashboard additionally shows cool graphics when in Sports activities, similar to energy and torque utilization and even a G-meter. Regular mode put the emphasis on the velocity show whereas Eco highlights the rpm band for best driving.

Goa’s winding and twisty roads additionally gave us an opportunity to check out the Kiger’s dealing with capabilities. The Kiger has good physique management and there’s quantity of grip on provide too, making it fairly succesful within the bends. The Renault turns with confidence and the Sport mode that provides noticeable weight to the steering solely helps the expertise. The steering can also be gentle at low speeds but it surely requires one too many twirls lock-to-lock, which is one thing you’ll observe when parking. That being stated, the Kiger is a straightforward automotive to put and feels at residence in tight metropolis confines. By way of braking, there’s a scarcity of an preliminary chunk after which the Kiger decelerates in linear and progressive method. 

Additionally spectacular is the Kiger’s experience high quality. There may be an underlying firmness to the experience but it surely’s to not the purpose of being jarring, and on actually unhealthy patches, it truly feels fairly tightly screwed collectively, nearly like a mini-Duster. The massive shock is how the Kiger feels at cruising speeds. Physique actions are nicely contained and it feels extra surefooted than its 1 tonne weight would counsel. It drives like a much bigger and heavier automotive and that’s a giant praise to the Renault. The place the Kiger feels fairly common is in refinement ranges. There’s loads of street, tyre and wind noise within the cabin at excessive speeds and you’ll even hear the suspension laborious at work.  

Ought to I purchase one? 

Priced from Rs 5.45 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India), the Kiger formally turns into essentially the most reasonably priced compact SUV, nearly undercutting its Nissan sibling, the Magnite. Whereas Nissan could have had the primary mover benefit inside the Alliance with the Magnite; by taking a couple of months longer, Renault appeared to have made the Kiger a extra rounded package deal. 

What you get on your cash is a snug compact SUV that’s nice to have a look at, good to drive and decently geared up with options as nicely. Certain, the Kiger does miss out on some options that at the moment are widespread in its class, like a sunroof, cruise management and related automotive know-how and Renault has additionally visibly saved prices in locations, however think about its value, Rs 8.55 lakh for the top-spec RXZ turbo-petrol handbook that we drove, and you’ll actually see the worth on this proposition. 

The Kiger comes throughout as an excellent value-for-money package deal.

Not solely does it undercut your complete compact SUV section and nearly create a sub-segment, the Renault Kiger on this top-spec kind is extra reasonably priced than even some premium hatchbacks like the brand new Hyundai i20. If the demand for the Magnite is something to go by, which garnered 32,000 bookings inside a month from its launch, and contemplating the value-for-money it provides patrons, the Renault Kiger may simply grow to be the subsequent large factor within the compact SUV section. 

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