By Otsile Kadiege

Citing the growing demand for SUVs, Renault has revealed their new Kiger, which is a compact SUV based on the Renault Triber. The Kiger is destined for India before making its international debut.

Exterior design

Inspired by the Kiger concept car shown in late 2020, the production version features a sculpted bonnet, a honeycomb grille with 3D graphics and chrome effects. It’s flanked by DRLs similar to those seen on the updated Kwid. The LED headlights are separately encased in a chrome octagonal unit with PURE VISION and a chrome reflector. The rear end features c-shaped LED taillights with black inserts, a prominent skid plate and roof rails.

The Kiger will come with a choice of 6 colours: Ice Cool White, Planet Grey, Moonlight Grey, Mahogany Brown, Caspian Blue and Radiant Red. Customers will have the option to specify the Kiger with either single or dual-tone paint.

Interior design and technology

The chiselled curves of the cabin gives the impression of a floating cockpit. Higher trims get a 7-inch configurable TFT digital instrument cluster, an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ambient lighting and a multifunction steering wheel.  

Also on offer for the upper models of the Kiger is a new premium sound system from Arkamys dubbed The Auditorium 3D Sound System. It features 4 boomers and 4 tweeters.

Although the Kiger is a compact SUV, Renault claims it has ample interior space thanks to the CMFA+ platform. Behind the 60:40 split rear seats is a luggage compartment with an impressive 405 litres or 879 litres with the seats folded.

Safety

The Kiger’s two front seats and the two rear side seats are fitted with three point seat belts, while the rear middle passenger seat features a two point seat belt. The two front airbags for the driver and front seat passenger along with the two side airbags.

Performance

Powering the Kiger is choice of two engines – turbocharged and naturally aspirated. The former is 3-cylinder 1.0 litre petrol engine developing 74 kW (100 ps) and 160 Nm and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or an X Tronic CVT and has a fuel consumption of 5 litres/100 mm.

The naturally aspirated engine is powered by 1.0 litre petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or EASY R five speed robotised gearbox.

Local availability

As mentioned above, the Kiger will be launched first in India followed by an international debut. Renault SA has confirmed that the Kiger will be sold in SA but is yet to announce launch dates.