Renault Kiger

You enter the Renault Kiger and, nearly instantly, you understand that this cabin is created to be used in everyday life. The layout is also quite recognisable, which, in fact, works to its benefit. You do not waste time searching for buttons or fumbling with clumsy controls. The eight-inches touchscreen is placed at eye level with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto being included in the higher variants, which makes life easier as soon as your phone is connected. The ventilated front seats, however, are truly unique to this segment and a blessing on hot city drives. As Kingshuk Dutta mentions, “It probably makes it the most affordable car in the country with ventilated seats.” That alone adds serious value.
Key highlights inside include:

• Smartphone wireless connectivity
• Ventilated front seats
• Ample door and cabin storage
• 405-litre practical boot space

The second row has plenty of headroom and acceptable knee room, particularly given that it is a sub-four-metre SUV. The AC vents in the rear make the ride more comfortable, and the 60:40 split-seats make it more flexible when you need more space to carry your baggage. Storage spots - twin glove boxes to deep door pockets - are also carefully located, and this limits the amount of clutter on longer journeys.

In our in-depth review of the Renault Kiger facelift, we have a closer look at the changes made to the cabin, design, and driving feel.

Take the Renault Kiger out on the road, and you will discover that it prioritises comfort over fun or driving dynamics. The naturally aspirated engine is smooth and predictable in city traffic, making daily commuting convenient. Nevertheless, at high speeds (when you need to overtake quickly or reach the highway), it is a bit strained.
Switch to the Turbo CVT and the situation improves. The mid-range is much punchier, so merging or passing is less stressful. This turbo CVT combination, as Kingshuk Dutta points out, is very potent. It makes driving each day a little bit less effortful.

Drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport: minor variations in throttle response may be used to balance the performance and efficiency. NVH has improved, and there is still some speed-dependent tyre noise. The CVT is smooth in traffic, so it is city-friendly.

Engine Specifications

Limitations

• The NA engine feels underpowered
• Noticeable tyre noise persists
• CVT lacks a strong punch
• No diesel engine option

The Renault Kiger has practical and user-friendly technology. 

Key technology highlights include:

• Eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 360-degree camera for parking assistance
• Digital instrument cluster
• Keyless entry and push-button start
• Automatic climate control

The Kiger does not overwhelm you with flashy technology; rather, it focuses on features that make driving and ownership easier.

When you start looking at the Renault Kiger’s pricing, it becomes clear why it attracts so many first-time SUV buyers. Its entry price is about Rs 6.29 lakh (ex-showroom), and this instantly puts it in a more accessible bracket in the sub-compact SUV segment. Up the scale, the fully loaded version with the turbo CVT will reach approximately Rs 11.30 lakh. Such a spread offers you the flexibility based on the number of features and the amount of performance you really require.

At this point, the Kiger stands out well in terms of value compared to competitors such as the Tata Nexon and Nissan Magnite. You are not only spending on the badge but buying space, features and a proper SUV stance at an affordable price. For buyers seeking maximum features for the price, this pricing strategy makes the Kiger a very compelling option.

Spend a couple of days with the Renault Kiger, and you will realise that fuel efficiency remains reasonable when travelling in everyday life. The naturally aspirated one will provide mid-teens figures in urban driving, as long as you drive calmly. The turbo one has a higher response, but at a reasonable economy. It does not get thirsty until you push it to its limits.
The 40-litre fuel tank makes the range practical for weekly commuting to work and the occasional highway trips. In general, the Kiger is a product for buyers who do not have to refuel their vehicles regularly.

The Renault Kiger feels practical and reassuring, not complex in terms of safety. On variants, you receive several airbags, electronic stability program (ESP) and hill start assist offered as standard, both of which bring on a sense of confidence immediately, even in city traffic and on the incline. The model in this test is the turbo variant, and it comes with the full safety package, including traction control and tyre pressure monitoring.
Structurally, the Kiger is built on a reinforced platform that is well-equipped to handle day-to-day impact scenarios. It received a four-star Global NCAP rating for adult occupant protection and a two-star rating for child occupant protection, which adds credibility to it in this segment.
What is most striking is the fact that these systems operate silently in the background. You are not overwhelmed with electronics, but you also reap the benefits of meaningful safety protection of everyday commuting and the occasional highway trips.

The Renault Kiger continues to impress with its 405-litre boot, which is among the largest in this segment. In the case of a sub-four-metre SUV, that is truly a useful space. You are never in need of space to fit things in, whether you are loading groceries, weekend bags, or travel equipment.
The Kiger has more usable depth than many competitors and does not require folding the seats as often. The rear 60:40 split seats are flexible in case you require more space. This usefulness can be observed in daily usage. You do not waste time rearranging luggage; you just load and drive. This boot capacity adds meaningful everyday usability for buyers who value convenience and space in a small footprint.

Take the Renault Kiger through mixed conditions, and you will notice that it is primarily oriented towards comfort. The suspension takes care of most bumps and rough areas in the city without causing a rough rash, thus making daily commuting easier. The light steering and small size make it easy to manoeuvre in slow traffic.
The Kiger remains stable at highway cruising speeds. 

Yes, when you make a sharp turn in direction, the body rolls, but it is not unpredictable and can be handled by a sub-compact SUV. The steering in the city is light and becomes somewhat firmer at speed, offering enough confidence to drive longer distances.