2021 Renault Kiger First Look: A 5-Point Summary

Will the styling give me the fizz?

The design department's a bit of a mixed bag. Standalone, the Kiger's a great bit of styling. Terms like 'urban', 'young', and 'funky' are often abused in press releases, but they seem more than acceptable here.

Quick Fact: The wheelbase is 2500mm long, and the ground clearance stands at 205mm (unladen)

It's not the boxiest SUV out there, looks more like a crossover (a la WR-V/Nexon) but she’s funky for sure. There's great definition to the body panels and bonnet, giving it some muscle while not coming across as too aggressive. 

Quick Fact: There's variant badging on the fender as well as the boot lid

The styling gets truly fashionable with the two-tone roof rails (load-bearing), two-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels (195/60 R16 on the top-spec), and the choice of exterior lighting setup. Of course, not all of this is standard equipment, but you do get LED DRLs, LED headlights, and distinctive C-shaped LED tail lights. 

Quick Fact: Colour options include Ice Cool White, Planet Grey, Moonlight Grey, Mahogany Brown, Caspian Blue, and Radiant Red with Mystery Black Roof. 

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That last bit is significant because the Kiger looks the most unique from the rear. But that aside, the styling enters a slightly risky zone where it starts looking like a bigger Kwid. The layperson may need a second or two to realise that it is a different car. Familiarity is one thing, but many may prefer a unique design so that it’s easy to tell one from the other. 

Will my family approve?

The probability is high! Renault has managed a great balance of space and practicality with the Kwid and Triber, so you can keep your hopes high. Even with 4 six-footers on board, there's generous room for your head, shoulders, knees, and toes.

(If you're a parent, there's probably a nursery rhyme stuck in your head right now. Sorry about that!).

Quick Fact: Rear-seat occupants get two adjustable headrests, an armrest with two cup holders, a phone holder, rear ac vents, and a 12V power socket 

Top it off with well-sized door pockets (all four are 1-litre-bottle ready) along with additional storage in the centre console, and that makes for a good deal. But then there's the kicker - 405 litres of boot space (879 litres with the second row folded)! That's more than a Honda Jazz, which is saying something! 

Quick opinion: Accommodating as the boot is, the loading lip is relatively high. Remember, lift with your thighs, not your back!

My kid wants a sunroof! 

Well, doesn't look like he/she will get one for now. But here is what they will: 

• Auto AC with rear vents

• Smart key with push-button start

• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system

• Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay

• 7-inch digital instrument cluster 

• ARKAMYS 8-speaker music system

• Eco/Normal/Sport drive modes that alter the engine map, transmission map (AT only), and digital cluster displays

• Wireless phone charger

• Ambient lighting

• PM 2.5 air filter

• Up to 4 airbags

Can it please my inner snob?

Cabin design quality is decent, not impressive. It's similar to what we've seen in the Magnite, so it won't please the ego the same way the Sonet, Venue or the XUV300 would.

Quick Opinion: While there are components shared with the Magnite, the dashboard design may, at least in parts, remind you of the Nexon. 

However, there isn’t any blatant sign of cost cutting either. Simply put, there's neither much to get all excited about nor complain.

I like to play with pedals

 

Well, the pedals shouldn't be too heavy, considering you've only got petrol engine options (and no diesel). The talking point is that both engines will be available with 5-speed manual transmissions and optional automatics - an AMT for the N/A petrol and a CVT for the turbo.

So, Do I Wait For It?

The Kiger is certainly worth waiting for. For an expected price range of Rs 5.50 lakh to Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom), this car should offer a similar value proposition as the Nissan Magnite. The segment is an absolute moshpit due to the number of rivals the Kiger faces, but the value proposition should give it an edge. 

While some features like cruise control and connected car tech seem to be missing here vis-a-vis the Magnite, it still comes across as a great balance of space, practicality, features and design. The added benefit vs its Nissan counterpart is Renault's sales and service network and a sizeable existing-owner base.