Pre-launch bookings for the upcoming Renault Kiger SUV have unofficially commenced at select dealerships across the country for a token amount ranges between Rs 10,000 and Rs 51,000. The Kiger will mark Renault's entry into India's most competitive sub-4-meter SUV segment, which currently consists of nine models including Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Nissan Magnite, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV300, Toyota Urban Cruiser, and Honda WR-V. Test drives and official bookings for Renault Kiger are expected to begin by mid-February.
Also Read: Renault Kiger Will Be Cheaper Than Nissan Magnite
Based on Nissan Magnite's Common Module Family (CMF) A+ platform, the Kiger gets a distinctive design when compared to its Japanese counterpart. However, the engine options are identical to the Magnite, which includes a 1.0-liter naturally aspirated (NA) petrol unit and a 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol motor. Both engines are 3-cylinder units and deliver 72PS/96Nm and 100PS/160Nm of maximum output respectively.
Unlike the Nissan Magnite, Renault has offered the Kiger with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard along with an individual automatic transmission option for both engines. The naturally aspirated motor can be had with a 5-speed AMT (automated manual transmission), whereas the turbocharged mill gets a CVT (continuous variable transmission).
In terms of features, the Kiger is well-equipped with prominent features such as an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility, digital instrument cluster, auto climate control, rear AC vents, cruise control, multifunction steering wheel, height-adjustable driver seat, multiple driving modes, etc. Safety, on the other hand, will be taken care of by up to 4 airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, electronic stability control, and ISOFIX child seat mounts, over-speed alert, etc.
Renault Kiger is expected to be the most affordable SUV of the segment, with the base-spec variant starting around Rs 5 lakh. It is likely to undercut the entire segment, even the Nissan Magnite, which currently ranges between Rs 5.49 lakh and Rs 9.59 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).