Renault Kiger

Affordable, Practical, Beautiful

The subcompact SUV segment is all the craze in India, thanks to their affordability and practicality. And there are two subcompact SUVs that especially stand out, thanks to being priced at par with micro SUVs but being larger. Those are the Renault-Nissan Alliance twins — the Renault Kiger and the Nissan Magnite.

Built on Renault-Nissan Alliance's CMF-A+ platform, the Kiger entered the Indian market with impressive styling and a bunch of features, making it a strong proposition on paper. But what’s important for Renault is that the Kiger is not merely an addition to the lineup; it's a game-changer. With the Duster leaving the Indian market and only two other cars being on sale — one an A-segment hatchback and the other an entry-level 7-seater sub-4-metre MPV — the success of the Kiger was ever so important for Renault. And the Kiger managed to deliver just that. Buckle up; this is more than just a review; it's an exploration into the future of subcompact SUVs.

Renault Kiger Pros and Cons 

Renault Kiger Exterior Design 

The Kiger is a departure from the typical boxy SUV look, which is evident in the raked rear windscreen and distinct spoiler element. Don’t take this to mean this doesn’t look tough though. The 205 mm ground clearance, roof rails, and the rear bumper with body cladding contribute to its robust appearance. The C-shaped LED tail-lamps with a 3-dimensional look, and 16-inch diamond-cut alloys also add to its appeal. And if you want an extra dose of uniqueness on top of that, Renault will also sell you accessories such as chrome embellishments and rear trunk cladding.

Despite its narrow dimensions — by compact SUV standards — the Kiger creates a wider visual impression through its large chrome-accented front grille and a sculpted bonnet. The split-headlamp arrangement, LED DRLs, and turn indicators also contribute to its distinctive appearance, and are reminiscent of its little sibling, the Kwid. The raked rear windscreen and tapering roofline give it an SUV-coupe-like profile, adding to its attractiveness. It also gets a choice of six colour options, with dual-tone paint schemes available across all variants.

Renault Kiger Interiors 

Inside the Kiger, you're welcomed by a tidy dashboard design which is reminiscent of the Triber's. While the plastic quality is acceptable for its price, some elements like the IRVM and sun visors feel basic. The cabin, however, is spruced up with chrome detailing, piano black elements, and climate control knobs with integrated readouts. Red stitching on the seats and dashboard also looks special, and the piano black insert between the AC vents get a cool red-to-black faded effect (on some variants). The Kiger also stands out as one of the most practical SUVs in its segment, offering ample storage space, twin gloveboxes, and a class-leading 405-litre boot. The rear seats with a 60:40 split add to its versatility.

Renault Kiger Comfort 

Finding an optimal driving position in the Kiger is easy, thanks to the wide range of adjustability that the seat provides. The seats themselves are supportive and well-bolstered, and offer a good amount of comfort. Rear seat passengers are also treated with great headroom and legroom, especially by segment standards. A flat floor also helps the middle passenger be comfortable. And for times when the middle seat is unoccupied, there is a foldable armrest.
The Kiger's suspension is great at delivering a comfortable ride. While solo rides may reveal a slight firmness — thanks to being designed to balance the demands of a light body with substantial load-carrying capacity — the suspension truly comes into its own when the car is loaded. With three to four passengers on board, the Kiger delivers a pliant and comfortable ride, making it an excellent choice for both city commutes and highway cruising. 

Renault Kiger Performance and handling

Powering the Kiger are two 1.0-litre petrol engines — a naturally aspirated unit, and a turbo petrol. As for the naturally aspirated engine, it is the same unit that we previously saw in the Triber. It is offered with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed ‘Easy-R’ AMT automatic gearbox, with neither being anything to write home about. The engine is rather low on power, but for most city duties, it is at par. Triple digit speeds are attainable, but this engine is not meant for the enthusiast, and sounds stressed once you cross 80 km/h. 

If highway stints are frequent for you, or if you are an auto enthusiast, it is the 1.0-litre turbo petrol unit that you should opt for. Mated to either a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic, the engine has ample power to handle a variety of duties. It is the CVT gearbox which is the pick of the two, as it does a great job masking turbo lag. The Kiger also has good body control, however, a slow steering wheel keeps it from being darty in corners.

Renault Kiger Key specifications 

Renault Kiger Safety Features

Showcasing Renault's commitment to safety is Kiger’s notable achievement of a 4-star Global NCAP crash test rating. The range-topping variants further fortify safety with an array of features, such as four airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child-seat mounts, and more. A rear-view camera and parking sensors add a layer of convenience too. 

Renault Kiger Technology and Infotainment

The Renault Kiger features an 8-inch touchscreen at the centre of its dashboard, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, streamlining smartphone integration. The top-trim Kiger RXZ further elevates the experience with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, which adapts its graphics based on the selected drive mode. Top trims also include a six speaker Arkamys 3D sound system, keyless entry-go, automatic climate control with a PM 2.5 filter, and ambient lighting, creating an immersive driving environment.

Is the Renault Kiger for you?

While it was a shade cheaper than the Nissan Magnite when launched, the Kiger has since seen some price hikes, and now costs more than its Japanese twin. And that’s because it is that much more popular and in demand than the Magnite. Despite being slightly pricey, the Renault Kiger is still a great deal, considering it is still significantly cheaper than most subcompact SUVs, and larger than the micro SUVs it's priced similar to. Overall, the Kiger offers a good dose of features, practicality, and fun to drive turbo variants, making it a great pick for anyone shopping in this price bracket. And if all of that wasn’t enough, the Kiger rounds off the package with gorgeous looks, both outside and inside.