Renault Kiger: What international journalists think about the compact SUV

Sub-4 meter compact SUV segment is one of the most popular vehicles segment in the country. Almost every manufacturer has at least one product in this segment. Earlier this year, Renault launched their all-new Compact SUV Renault Kiger in the market. It is currently the most affordable compact SUV in the segment. The car is manufactured in India and is also being exported to other countries. We have seen several review videos of Kiger from India but, here is a video on what international automobile journalists think about the Renault Kiger.

The video has been published by Juliet McGuire on her YouTube channel. Juliet is a popular automobile journalist from South Africa. She had spend decent amount of time with the car and she starts by saying that she is not a big fan of the car. Renualt Kiger rivals with cars like Kia Sonet, Maruti Brezza, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Hyundai Venue in the segment.

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Juliet said Renault Kiger does not feel like a good option when compared with other cars in the segment. The car is being marketed as an affordable option and is definitely cheaper than other SUVs in the same segment. In order to price the car competitively, Renault has made several compromises.

Juliet says that the cabin in the Renault Kiger gets decent number of features like a multi-function steering wheel, fully digital instrument cluster, touchscreen infotainment screen, drive modes and so on. Even with all these features, the cabin feels cheap. She also points out that the car gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but, does not comes with a wireless phone charger.

It is not the most spacious car in the segment but, it offers decent amount of boot space which she appreciated. Coming to the driving part, Juliet was driving the 1.0 litre three cylinder turbo petrol engine. She says the engine is decently powered and with the CVT gearbox it is quite fun as well. The engine does not feel refined and while idly, a lot of vibration from the engine can be felt.

The car drives well but, the suspension setup is too hard for a car of this segment. Juliet said that if anyone is planning to buy a Renault Kiger, she recommends the turbo petrol version only. The car is available with a 1.0 litre naturally aspirated engine but, it feels underpowered and the AMT gearbox in the other variant is also not the best.

Juliet mentions that for the price at which Renault Kiger is being offered, it is good. However, it is not a vehicle that she would recommend it to anyone. Renault Kiger is based on CMF-A+ platform. It is the same platform that is also being used in Kwid, Triber and Nissan Magnite. In India Renault Kiger is offered in RXE, RXL, RXT and RXZ varaints.

Renault is also offering several official accessories package for Kiger which include things like wireless charger, air purifier, chrome garnishes, floor mats, seat covers and so on. Price for Renault Kiger SUV starts at Rs 5.64 lakh, ex-showroom to Rs 10.09 lakh, ex-showroom.

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