Renault's range in India continues to grow and after launching the Triber there about two years ago, the French brand has now made known the Renault Kiger.
The big difference between the two models, in addition to the Triber's seven seats, is that while the first is exclusively for the Indian market, the second comes with a promise: reaching international markets.
However, this promise brings with it some doubts. First, which international markets will Kiger reach? Will it reach Europe? If that happens, how will it position itself in the Renault range? Or will it end up becoming a Dacia like the Renault K-ZE that we'll meet in Europe as Dacia Spring?
Small on the outside, big on the inside
At 3.99m long, 1.75m wide, 1.6m high and 2.5m wheelbase, the Kiger is smaller than the Captur (4.23m long; 1.79m m wide, 1.58 m high and 2.64 m wheelbase).
Despite this, the new Gallic SUV offers a generous luggage compartment with 405 liters of capacity (the Captur varies between 422 and 536 liters) and reference quotas in the sub-segment of urban SUVs.
Let's see: at the front the Kiger offers the best distance between seats in the segment (710 mm) and at the rear the greatest space for the legs (222 mm between the rear and front seats) and for the elbows (1431 mm) in the segment.
clearly Renault
Aesthetically, the Renault Kiger does not hide that it is a… Renault. At the front we see a typical Renault grille, and the headlights bring to mind those of the K-ZE. At the rear, the Renault identity is unmistakable. The “guilty”? The “C” shaped headlamps have already become an easily recognized trademark of the French manufacturer.
As for the interior, despite not following the stylistic language in vogue in models like the Clio or the Captur, it has typically European solutions. This way, we have an 8” central screen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; USB ports and we also have a 7” screen fulfilling the role of an instrument panel.
And mechanics?
Developed based on the CMFA+ platform (the same as the Triber), the Kiger has two engines, both with 1.0 l and three cylinders.
The first, without turbo, produces 72 hp and 96 Nm at 3500 rpm. The second consists of the same 1.0 l three-cylinder turbo that we already know from Clio and Captur. With 100 hp and 160 Nm at 3200 rpm, this engine will initially be associated with a manual gearbox with five relations. A CVT box is expected to arrive later.
Already common to any of the boxes is the “MULTI-SENSE” system, which allows you to choose three driving modes — Normal, Eco and Sport — which alter the engine's response and steering sensitivity.
For now, we still don't know if the Renault Kiger will reach Europe. Having said that, we leave you the question: would you like to see him around here?