FIRST DRIVE RENAULT KIGER: EYE OF THE KIGER

The sub-four metre compact SUV space is among the most challenging segments in the country.

- Afzal Rawuther

So, when Renault decided to throw its hat into the ring, they had to come out all guns blazing. And that’s exactly what they did. The Kiger comes packed to the gills with features, gets the option of a turbo petrol motor and is priced aggressively. And add to that, it looks stunning.

Early reports are coming in from dealers that there is already a six to eight weeks waiting period to get your hands on one. However, all the interest in the car notwithstanding, we had to know how it is to drive. So, without further ado let us dive into our first drive review of the Renault Kiger.

SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE 999cc, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol

TRANSMISSION 5-Speed Manual

MAX POWER 98.6bhp@5000rpm

PEAK TORQUE 160Nm@28003600rpm

TYRES 195/60 R16

PRICE RXZ - ₹8.55 lakh (ex-showroom)

EXTERIOR

The first thing that strikes you about the Kiger is just how good it looks. Sure, the front end does remind you of the Kwid, but that is not a bad thing at all. The Kwid after all is a great looking car. The Kiger continues in the same vein and dials up the macho quotient even further. The split LED lamps with the triple rectangular elements in the main headlamp do make it look rather distinct from the Kwid. There are a number of cuts and creases on the front fascia with generous use of black plastic lower down on the bumper. The large Renault logo along with the creases on the bonnet gives it a butch, muscular stance.