Having made an impact with the innovative, seven-seat Triber last year, Renault is lining up its next big launch for India – the Kiger compact SUV. The Kiger will be Renault’s smallest SUV for India till date.
The Kiger (codename HBC) is a significant model for Renault in India, and one that marks the carmaker’s foray into the compact SUV segment. Initially, the sub-4-metre SUV was set to follow its sibling, the Nissan Magnite. However, Nissan pushed the Magnite's launch to January 2021, clearing the way for the Kiger to be the first compact SUV arrival from the Alliance partners. The Kiger will go on sale around October 2020, allowing Renault to make the most of the festive season demand.
Built on the CMF-A+ platform
The Kiger, like the Nissan Magnite, will be based on the Alliance’s CMF-A+ platform that also underpins the Renault Triber seven-seater. The compact SUV will be offered as a five-seat model, but if the Triber is anything to go by, Renault's clever packaging could make the Kiger surprisingly roomy.
It will also share its 1.0-litre petrol engine with the Triber. Also, set to be part of the Triber and Kiger is a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine (codename HR10) that’s expected to put out around 95hp. Gearbox options will include a 5-speed manual and a CVT automatic gearbox. The same powertrains will make their way into Nissan’s Magnite.
Feature-laden model
Renault will equip the Kiger with features like a touch-screen infotainment system, steering-mounted audio controls and automatic climate control for the HVAC. The compact SUV could also be offered with connected car technology.
When launched, the Renault Kiger will be up against other sub-4m SUVs such as the Tata Nexon, Maruti Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV300 and the upcoming Nissan Magnite and the Toyota Urban Cruiser.