The Wait For The Renault HBC (Kiger) Just Got Longer

• Renault India’s MD, Venkatram Mamillapalle, cited uncertainties due to coronavirus lockdown restrictions as the reason for the postponement.

• It will be built on the same platform as the Triber, with spy shots resembling the Kwid.

• Expect it to be loaded with features inside and borrow bits from the Triber.

• Likely to be powered by two petrol options with choice of manual and CVT automatic transmissions.

• Prices likely to start from Rs 6 lakh (ex-showroom).

Renault India was slated to introduce the Kiger (codename HBC) sub-4 metre SUV around Diwali 2020. But given how the pandemic has affected things, the carmaker has revealed that the upcoming sub-4 metre SUV’s launch has been pushed to early-2021.   

Confirming the delay, Renault India’s Managing Director, Venkatram Mamillapalle, said, “My product is ready; if not for disruptions in both demand and supply, we would have caught this festive season. I have been in touch with my vendor partners for the last 20 days and we are trying to sort out the issues.” 

The Kiger will be based on the same platform as the Triber, with spy shots of camouflaged prototypes resembling the Kwid. Highlights include a bold Renault grille, flanked by split headlamps and LED DRLs. The rear features ‘C’-shaped LED tail lamps, a butch rear bumper, and a sculpted tail gate.

Spy shots of the cabin reveal a modern look with a black dashboard, a floating infotainment system and chunky climate control knobs. It also borrows the steering wheel, placement of the engine start-stop button, and glove boxes from the Triber. Expect features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, climate control, cruise control, LED headlamps and digital instrumentation. Multiple airbags, ABS with EBD,  rear parking camera and rear sensors could be part of the safety kit on offer. 

Under the hood, the Kiger could be powered by two petrol engines. The lower variants could get Triber’s 72PS 1.0-litre petrol engine while higher versions are likely to utilise a new 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that develops around 100PS. Both engine options are likely to be paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox whereas a CVT automatic option could be limited to the turbo-petrol engine. 

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The Renault Kiger could launch at a starting price of Rs 6 lakh (ex-showroom). It will have plenty of competition from the likes of the Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Kia Sonet, and the upcoming Nissan Magnite.  

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