Renault Kiger Vs Nissan Magnite CVT: 4 Star Rated Subcompact SUVs

The interior has similar characteristics with both cars and that's with the way the engine start/stop is designed or the centre console.

New Delhi: Subcompact SUVs have been successful in making car buyers switch from hatchbacks to SUVs as a more aspirational car while still keeping price and efficiency in mind. Case in point the Renault Kiger and the Nissan Magnite. Both subcompact SUVs have also got  a 4-star GNCAP safety rating as well, so which one should you buy?

Styling wise, there is nothing similar and both SUVs look different to each other with a clear design focus. The Kiger is sportier of the two and looks unique- especially with the way the rear styling has been designed. It is not the traditional SUV shape which the Magnite has, plus the Magnite also looks more conventional. However, the Kiger gets more attention due to its looks or colour.

The interior has similar characteristics with both cars and that's with the way the engine start/stop is designed or the centre console. The touchscreen to some of the bits are similar but there are large differences too. The Magnite has a different look to the air vents or as to how the touchscreen is positioned when compared to the Kiger. We do also see the Kiger having a slightly better dash with more gloss black along with better quality door pads.

The Magnite has a unique driver display while some may like the digital display on the Kiger. With these top-end trims, both subcompact SUVs give more expensive cars a run for their money. There are touchscreens on offer plus wireless charging and other nice bits but the Magnite has a 360 degree camera/ connected tech plus a JBL audio while the Kiger gets more drive modes (connected with digital dials) and ambient lighting along with an Arkamys audio. 

More things? The Kiger has a 2.5 air filter while Magnite gets 'driving eco' with info based on your trip and also getting you a score on how efficiently you drive. Safety wise, the Kiger gets more airbags though (4 vs 2) and also has additional front parking sensors. In terms of space, the Magnite we felt had more of an airy feeling with 3 passengers being comfortable while the Kiger while also having a decent amount of space gets smaller rear windows. That said, the Kiger has the bigger boot over the Magnite.

Let's talk about driving. We have chosen top-end CVT turbo petrols which appeal in terms of performance and driving convenience. There are much cheaper 1.0 non turbo engines too while the Kiger with that engine also gets an AMT. However, in this top-end CVT form, both cars get a 1.0l turbo petrol with 100bhp. Both subcompact SUVs feel very quick with their turbo versions while CVT also adds in a sense of ease. Driving these two within the city is easy with compact dimensions, good ground clearance and light steering. 

The Kiger feels a touch quicker though in the sport mode and feels eager while the Magnite is more linear. Both cars will do big speeds and cruise well at highway speeds. That said, both cars have some cabin noise coming in from outside. The CVT gearbox disadvantages are not seen with both cars here with being quick and gearbox not being noisy. 

We found in the ride/handling department, both cars are slightly firm but the Kiger has better body control and feels solid over bad surfaces. On the other hand, the Magnite can be a surprisingly good car for a bit of small off-roading. In terms of mileage expect 12-14kmpl for both.

Kiger top-end CVT is priced at Rs 10.4 lakh while top-end Magnite is Rs 10.15 lakh. There is plenty to like about this duo including the good safety rating, features list and the compact size as well. With the CVT, both the Kiger and Magnite are also better options than AMTs at this price point. The Magnite is a more conventional SUV shape and also has slightly more space but the Kiger is sportier and more agile along with being a slightly better drive plus a more premium cabin.

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