Compact SUV segment is one of the fastest growing segment in our country. Almost all the manufacturers that are present in Indian market at least have one product in this segment. Where all the other brands were focusing on offering feature loaded compact SUVs to the customers, Nissan and Renault did something different to grab customer’s attention. They launched Magnite and Kiger in the market and they are currently the most affordable sub-4 meter compact SUVs one can buy in India. In just less than a month after launch, Renault Kiger has outsold its sibling Nissan Magnite, in the month of February 2021.

Magnite actually became a game changer for Nissan as none of the other products were doing great in the market. The Magnite when launched was the most affordable compact SUV in the country but, in couple of months, the Renault launched Kiger which is even more cheaper than the Magnite. Renault has sold 3,226 units of Kiger across the country in February 2021. Nissan sold 2.991 units. Renault had started accepting bookings for the compact SUV before the launch and that could the reason behind this sudden spike in numbers. In coming months, the numbers are expected to settle.

In comparison to the other compact SUVs that have been ruling this segment for a long time, these numbers might seem very less. Maruti Suzuki sold 11,585 units of Vitara Brezza, Hyundai sold 11,224 units of Venue last month. Although, both Magnite and Kiger belong to the sub-4 meter SUV segment, they do not compete with other SUVs directly as they are smaller in size and do not offer many features. Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger are based on the same platform. They both use CMF-A platform which we have already seen on cars like Renault Kwid and Triber.

In the coming months, Renault Kiger is expected to maintain this lead as they have a wide dealership network in comparison to Nissan. The better dealership network will definitely benefit Renault in increasing the sales. Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite are both manufactured at the Renault Nissan manufacturing plant at Oragadam, Chennai. Both SUVs look different but, offer almost the same type of features.

Renault Kiger gets features like all-LED headlamps (ice cube shaped), touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, fully digital instrument cluster and so on. In addition to all these features, Nissan offers wireless charging and cruise control in Magnite and that could be one of the reason why Kiger is cheaper than Magnite. Nissan Magnite starts at Rs 5.49 lakh, ex-showroom, whereas Renault Kiger starts at Rs 5.45 lakh, ex-showroom.

In terms of engine, both Kiger and Magnite are available with two petrol engine options. There is a 1.0 litre naturally aspirated engine that generates 72 Ps and 96 Nmof peak torque. This engine is available with manual gearbox option with Magnite whereas Kiger offers AMT and manual gearbox options. The next petrol engine on offer is the 1.0 litre, 3-cylinder, turbo petrol engine which is available with a manual and CVT gearbox option in both the SUVS.