Subcompact Renault Kiger unveiled in India, launch in Q1

Renault India today took wraps off its Renault Kiger compact SUV. The car was unveiled to the global audience in an event in New Delhi. The Renault Kiger which was first showcased as a Concept car at the Auto Expo 2020, is based on Renault-Nissan's compact modular frame (CMF-A) platform which also underpins the recently introduced Nissan Magnite.

Groupe Renault says that the Kiger has been designed for India and emerging markets and as a result, has been developed in conjunction with its design centres in Paris and Chennai.

Renault India has high hopes from the Kiger and according to Laurens Van den Acker, head of design, Groupe Renault, "It is the most-accomplished vehicle that Renault has ever developed for the Indian market."

Design traits
At the front, the Kiger bears striking resemblance to the Renault Kwid - company's entry-level hatchback in India. The crossover gets a pair of sleek LED DRLs flank the grille. These day-time-running lights also double up as turn indicators. Sitting just below are the full-LED headlamps.

When viewed from the side, the overhangs are extremely short and the Renault Kiger gets 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. The belt line rises towards the rear and the crossover gets an integrated spoiler at the back along with signature full-LED tail lamps.

Some sportiness is so lent to the rear by the chunky skid plate that masks a significant portion of the bumper. The car rides high with a 205mm ground clearance.

High-tech interior
The norm in this mass-market B-SUV space, which commands up to 50 percent share of the total SUV matket in India, is to offer the consumer with the best in terms of latest connected technology.

The Renault Kiger, therefore, comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, alongwith a 7-inch, multi-skin TFT instrument cluster. Wireless phone charging and multimedia controls on steering wheel are comfort features being offered.

The all-black interiors are well appointed and the layout aims to carve out maximum room. The 405-litre boot space too is being claimed to be the segment best.

Two engine options
Like the Nissan Magnite, the Renault Kiger will come powered by two 1.0-litre engine options - one naturally aspirated and one turbocharged.

While the naturally aspirated motor is the same three-cylinder unit doing duty in the Renault Triber MPV, and develops 75bhp, the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol, on the other hand will belt out 100bhp of power.

Renault says that it will offer options of 5-MT, 5-AMT and CVT along with the Kiger. The turbocharged engine will also offer multi-drive modes - Eco, Normal and Sport.

A Renaulution
As per its business revival strategy which has been coined 'Renaulution', Renault India aims to clock good numbers with the new Kiger crossover.

Where the company had sold 80,000 units in CY2020, its larger focus went into network expansion, especially in the Tier 2 and rural markets.

"The launch of the Kiger is essential for Renault to realise the Renaulution global strategy in India. The Kiger will be introduced in the B-SUV segment which commands over 50 percent share of the SUV space," said Venkatram Mamilapalle, managing director and CEO, Renault India.

Renault India has opened 120 new outlets last year and its network now stands at 500 sales and 475 service touch points across the country. The Kiger which will go up against the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet and Nissan Magnite will be introduced sometime in the Q1 of 2021.

"The new-age customer wants their SUV to be attractive, sporty and smart and we aim to offer just that with the Renault Kiger," Mamilapalle signed off at the global unveil event. 

Also read: Renault India eyes consistent 3.5% share with new Kiger