Nissan Magnite Challenger- Renault Kiger Revealed In Production Form

The French carmaker Renault has finally revealed the production-spec version of its upcoming Kiger sub-4m SUV that will take on the likes of the Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Vitara Brezza, Nissan Magnite, Tata Nexon, and many more. 

At first glance, the production-spec Kiger looks largely similar to its concept model shown in November 2020. Renault claims that it shares roughly 80% of the design cues with the concept. Its front facia looks quite attractive with the sculpted bonnet, and familiar Renault grille, which is flanked by the sleek LED daytime running lamps (DRLs). The headlights are tri-octa projector LED units, positioned on the bumper. 

On the sides, its racked A-pillar, bulging wheel arches, high-bonnet line, sloping roofline, soft lines, and a slightly curvy profile gives it a crossover-like silhouette with a slightly boxy look. However, from the isometric angle, the sloping roofline looks more coupe-ish as it mixes seamlessly in blacked-out C-pillar and a raked rear windscreen. Add to that Kiger's styling elements such as the high 205mm ground clearance and 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, which give the SUV an imposing stance. 

At the rear, the characteristic C-shaped LED tail-lights are striking, and the silver skid plate completing the modern-day sophistication. 

The Kiger doesn’t only pack in fantastic design ingredients but also gets premium features such as an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, voice commands, 7.0-inch TFT digital instrumentation display, automatic climate control, rear AC vent, dual glove box, cruise control, 8-speakers Arkamys sound system, PM 2.5 air filter, keyless entry, push-button start, ambient lighting, 360-degree camera, etc. Like its Nissan counterpart, it also misses out the sunroof. 

On the safety front, it gets up to four airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX seat mounting points, a traction control system, hill start assist, and vehicle dynamic control. 

Besides this, Renault will also offer five optional accessory packs that'll allow customers to personalise their Kiger as per their taste.

Renault Kiger – Underpinnings & Dimensions 

As we have informed you multiple times in our previous stories, the Kiger shares its underpinnings and powertrain options with the Nissan Magnite. Based on the same CMF A+ platform as Magnite, Renault claims that the Kiger will offer best-in-class cabin space with 710mm of room between the front seats, 220mm of rear legroom and 1,431mm of elbow room at the rear. It even packs the 25 litres of space inside the cabin to store your tiny stuff. This includes four 1-litre bottles, two cup holder, 10.5 litres in the glove box, and 7.5 litres under armrest storage. It also gets segment's largest boot space of 405 litres that can expand to 879 litres by folding the rear seats. Here's have a look at its dimensions: – 

Renault Kiger – Engine & Gearbox

Like the other Renault cars, the Kiger is also a petrol-only offering with the choice of a two-engine: a 1.0-litre naturally-aspirated (NA) petrol and a 1.0-litre turbocharged unit. The NA petrol engine produces 72PS of maximum power and 96Nm of peak torque. The turbo unit, on the other hand, generates 100PS and up to 160Nm of peak torque. Unlike Nissan Magnite, the turbo model also gets multiple driving modes (Eco, Normal and Sport).

While both engines get a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard, the automatic gearbox options include an AMT for the NA motor and a CVT unit for the turbo mill. 

Colour options

Renault Kiger will be available in 6 colour options – Ice Cool White, Planet Grey, Moonlight Grey, Mahogany Brown, Caspian Blue and Radiant Red with Mystery Black Roof. Interestingly, all-variants will also get the dual-tone colour option, however, the Radiant Red with Black Roof shade will be exclusive to the top-spec trim.

Launch Date & Pricing 

Renault is yet to reveal Kiger's launch date. Compared to the other subcompact SUVs, the Kiger will be quite affordable with a slight premium over the Nissan Magnite, which currently retails between Rs 5.49 lakh and Rs 9.45 lakh (ex-showroom).