Renault’s latest vehicle for India is the Kiger compact-SUV. It is currently the cheapest compact-SUV in the segment. The Kiger starts from Rs. 5.45 lakhs ex-showroom and goes all the way up to Rs. 9.72 lakhs ex-showroom. Now, the deliveries of the Kiger have started. Here are the first pictures of the Kiger being delivered to the customers. The photos are uploaded on Facebook by Gopinathji Renault. The Kiger competes with Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Nissan Magnite, Mahindra XUV300, Tata Nexon, Ford Ecosport and the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza.

The compact-SUV segment is the most competitive segment currently. The automobile manufacturers are constantly doing something for their compact-SUV so that they can stay competitive in the segment. The Kiger is the latest addition to the segment. Renault is trying to attract people by pricing the Kiger very competitively as compared to other compact-SUVs. This will attract people who were considering a hatchback, but now due to low pricing, they can now afford a compact-SUV.

Renault is able to price the Kiger so competitively because they are sharing the underpinnings with the Nissan Magnite. The Kiger is based on the CMF-A platform which is also used on the Nissan Magnite and the Renault Triber. The engine options are also shared by Nissan Magnite. So, the Kiger is offered in two petrol engines. There are the 1.0-litre naturally aspirated unit and the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The naturally aspirated petrol engine produces 72 PS of max power and a peak torque output of 96 Nm. It is offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed AMT. Then there is the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine which puts out 100 PS of max power and 160 Nm of peak torque. It is offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic transmission.

 

The overall profile of the Kiger might look like a jacked-up Kwid but when looked at in person, the Kiger does look quite big and attractive. At the front, you get chrome inserts with the front grille and LED Daytime Running Lamps. In the lower half of the bumper, there are three LED projector units. There are no foglamps on offer. At the side, the Kiger comes with roof rails, 16-inch alloy wheels and dual-tone paint options across all the variants. At the rear, there are C-shaped LED tail lamps, a rear spoiler, shark-fin antenna and a massive faux skid plate.

Moving to the interior, the cabin is inspired by the Triber. It comes with a floating touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Both of which are wireless. There is a multi-function steering wheel, rear AC vents, automatic climate control, keyless entry with push-button to start/stop and a digital instrument cluster. The cabin is finished in a black and grey theme for a sporty appeal. You also get rear parking sensors, speed alert, electrically adjustable outside rearview mirrors, dual airbags etc. There are an air purifier and a wireless charger available as an accessory pack. The Kiger will be produced alongside the Magnite at the Renault-Nissan joint manufacturing facility at Oragadam, Chennai. Renault says that the Kiger has been designed specifically for emerging markets around the world and India will be the first market for this compact SUV.