The compact SUV market in India has seen tremendous growth over the past few years. Car buyers today are looking for an affordable yet stylish vehicle that offers space, features, comfort, and performance, all without breaking the bank. Renault, a brand known for bringing practical and value-driven cars to the Indian market, has stepped up with the Renault Kiger. Positioned in one of the most competitive segments, the Kiger promises to deliver an attractive design, modern features, efficient engines, and a fun-to-drive experience.
We recently got behind the wheel for a first drive review of the Renault Kiger, and here’s everything you need to know—from design and interiors to performance, practicality, and whether it’s worth your money.
Bold and Sporty Design
The first thing you notice about the Renault Kiger is its bold styling. Unlike many other compact SUVs, the Kiger stands out with its coupe-like silhouette and muscular stance. The sculpted bonnet, sleek LED daytime running lights on top, and the projector headlamps positioned lower on the bumper give it a very modern and aggressive look.
At the rear, the car features C-shaped LED tail lamps, a roof-mounted spoiler, and a slightly raised bumper, which enhances its sporty character. Renault has made sure the Kiger appeals to younger buyers who want their car to look as stylish as it is functional.
With its high ground clearance of 205 mm, 16-inch alloy wheels, and rugged cladding around the body, the Kiger fits perfectly into India’s SUV craze, while still being compact enough for city traffic.
Comfortable and Practical Interiors
Step inside the Renault Kiger, and you’re greeted with a cabin that feels premium for its price segment. The dashboard design is modern and practical, with a layered layout and plenty of storage spaces.
A standout feature is the 8-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system, which supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (both wireless). Complementing it is a 7-inch digital driver’s display, which adds a futuristic touch and provides all necessary driving information clearly.
The Kiger also impresses with cabin space. Despite being a compact SUV, it offers good legroom and headroom, even for rear-seat passengers. The flat rear floor ensures three passengers can sit comfortably in the back. The 405-litre boot space is one of the largest in its class, making it very practical for families and long drives.
Features That Add Value
Renault has packed the Kiger with a variety of features that enhance both comfort and convenience. Some highlights include:
- Automatic climate control
- Push-button start/stop
- Keyless entry
- Wireless phone charging
- Rear AC vents
- Arkamys 3D sound system for an immersive audio experience
- Multiple driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport
These features ensure that the Kiger competes strongly with rivals like the Nissan Magnite, Hyundai Venue, and Kia Sonet.
Engine and Performance
The Renault Kiger is available with two petrol engine options:
- 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 72 PS of power and 96 Nm of torque.
- 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 100 PS of power and 160 Nm of torque.
Transmission options include a 5-speed manual, 5-speed AMT (for the naturally aspirated engine), and a CVT (for the turbo engine).
During our first drive, the turbo-petrol version with the CVT impressed the most. It offered smooth acceleration, quick responsiveness, and was well-suited for both city driving and highway cruising. The Eco, Normal, and Sport modes noticeably alter the throttle response and steering feel, giving the driver flexibility depending on the driving environment.
The naturally aspirated engine is more budget-friendly and best suited for buyers looking for a simple, fuel-efficient daily commuter.
Ride and Handling
One of the Renault Kiger’s strongest points is its ride quality. Thanks to Renault’s tuning expertise, the suspension handles rough Indian roads, potholes, and speed breakers with ease. Despite being compact, the Kiger feels stable at higher speeds and inspires confidence when cornering.
The steering is light, making it ideal for city traffic, while still offering enough feedback on highways. The high ground clearance ensures the car can handle mild off-road conditions like gravel paths and uneven rural roads.
Safety Features
Renault has also focused on safety with the Kiger. It comes with features like:
- Four airbags (front and side)
- ABS with EBD
- Rear parking camera with sensors
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- Speed-sensing door lock
These safety inclusions make the Kiger a reliable family car choice in the budget SUV category.
Fuel Efficiency
In terms of mileage, the Renault Kiger delivers competitive figures:
- 1.0-litre NA petrol: Around 19 km/l (manual)
- 1.0-litre turbo petrol: Around 18 km/l (manual), 17 km/l (CVT)
These numbers make it not only powerful but also economical for daily commutes and long-distance drives.
Price and Variants
One of Renault’s biggest strengths has always been pricing, and the Kiger is no different. With multiple variants to suit different budgets, the Kiger offers excellent value for money. It undercuts many of its rivals while still providing similar or even better features in some cases.
Verdict: Should You Buy the Renault Kiger?
The compact SUV market is crowded, but the Renault Kiger manages to carve its own space with its sporty design, spacious interiors, value-packed features, multiple engine choices, and competitive pricing.
If you are looking for a car that’s stylish enough to make heads turn, practical enough for daily use, and affordable enough to not stretch your budget too far, the Renault Kiger is definitely worth considering.
It’s not just another compact SUV; it’s a smart, well-rounded package that caters to the needs of Indian buyers perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Renault has played its cards well with the Kiger. It takes the brand’s experience in making practical cars and combines it with modern styling, advanced features, and strong performance. For first-time SUV buyers, young professionals, and even families, the Renault Kiger ticks all the right boxes.