The sub compact SUV segment is already filled to the brim with many contenders but that is not stopping more carmakers in trying their best to get a large share of this segment. It goes without saying that SUVs have a certain aspirational pull that a hatchback or a sedan does not command hence it is no wonder that everyone wants in. Renault scored a big success with the Duster and now it is hoping for the same with the Kiger. The Kiger is the sub compact SUV contender from Renault with a twist in the fact that it claims to give more for less. With a price-tag starting price at Rs 5.4 lakh, the Kiger promises affordability and with the top-end version being below Rs 10 lakh, you probably can't get a more feature packed SUV for this much money but is being VFM the only positive trait of the Kiger? Well let us find out.
Price or not, the Kiger attracts plenty of attention as Renault has tried every trick in the SUV rulebook with more than decent success. Everywhere we went the Kiger drew a lot of glances partly for the colour and the aggressive styling. The split headlamp treatment and the massive grille is what gives it presence while the slanted roof along with those unique C shaped tail-lamps further ramp up the glamour quotient. The top end Kiger gets snazzy 16 inch alloys too while there is a suitable line-up of interesting colours alongside the usual ones plus there are dual-tone options of course. Overall, you want attention, then the Kiger fits the bill rather nicely.
There is less flamboyance used on the inside but it's but the cabin feels more plush than a Magnite- its sibling based on the same platform. Quality is decent and there are no nasty or cheap plastics with the cabin feeling more luxurious than even the Duster! The features list is fairly long too with everything from a sunroof to an 8inch touchscreen (with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay) plus a rear camera display with sensors, a digital instrument cluster, drive modes, rear ac vents, climate control, steering controls, wireless charging and more. However a sunroof is missing from the list! The touchscreen is simple but easy to use while the rear camera display is surprisingly good too. Storage is also above class average with plenty of clever spaces used in the middle while the door pockets are quite big. Space is a Kiger USP as being based on the same platform as the Triber, the headroom plus legroom is very good and better than some other subcompact suvs. The rear seat also has a near flat floor which makes fitting three easier too. The 405litre boot is also amongst the largest in class!
In terms of engines, Renault has ditched diesel in favour of an all petrol line-up consisting of a turbo petrol 1.0 and the standard 1.0 petrol. We drove the turbo petrol which we think is the pick of the range anyways. 100bhp and 160Nm is plenty of power for a compact suv like the Kiger and the 6-speed manual is also the most enthusiast focused variant that you can get. Just like all turbo petrols the Kiger is responsive and easy to drive in the city with less frequent downshifts required. The 6-speed manual is reasonably light too with a fairly precise shift quality.
Driving the Kiger manual is quite fun and the compact size plus the power on tap means rocketing through narrow gaps is very easy. We only wish, the engine could be a bit more refined. We could not drive the Kiger at high speeds but whatever we could manage, the turbo petrol impressed with a strong power delivery. Special mention must go for the drives modes which are helpful though we advise to keep it in Sport mode for maximum response. There is an eco mode and a normal mode which is actually not bad in terms of useability as eco is best when you are running out of fuel and anxiety gets the better of you while you frantically search for a fuel station while normal mode has a fair balance between power and economy. However, as said earlier, we just kept it in Sport mode as that's where the car is at its happiest! We dealt with a lot of potholes and managed to get the Kiger to go through a dirt road where the 205mm ground clearance and tough suspension helped. Yes the Kiger is a bit firm in terms of ride quality but body control and stability make it a good SUV for both city/highway use.
Overall the Kiger is one the better packaged subcompact SUVs because it does not keep price as its only strength as its spacious, fairly well equipped and also good looking while being good to drive in the turbo manual spec that we drove (there is also a CVT auto option with the turbo petrol). In short the Kiger has just about enough to tempt you away from that hatchback or compact sedan!
Pros- Design, features, space, turbo petrol manual is fun to drive, ground clearance
Cons - no diesel option offered and the turbo-petrol engine could be a bit more refined
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