Making Waves

We took the exciting new Renault Kiger on an excursion along the western coast of India

- Glen Francis

THE THRILL OF ADVENTURE IS SOMETHING WE automotive journalists experience on a regular basis driving fast cars, burning rubber on two wheels, and testing machines to their limits. However, just like all you readers, we also love to travel and explore. I've always understood that adventurous people are of two kinds: mountain monks or beach babies. While I do adore the mountains, I am quite a beach baby too. Last Sunday, the Editor handed to me the keys to Renault's brand-spanking-new compact SUV, the Kiger. Being the water lover that I am, my compass instantaneously pointed west and I planned to head towards the Konkan coast to chase the setting sun.

Our journey consisted of a good 202 kilometres of narrow country roads, the destination being the tiny town of Dapoli. Well, Dapoli is quite a tourist destination on weekends with families and youngsters heading there to experience the serenity of Mother Nature and, of course, the beaches. With Google Maps showing six hours to reach our destination, we set out from the bustling city of Pune.

The initial dash was a quick 50-km sprint across the broad and winding Pune-Bengaluru highway. Here, the Kiger's 1.0-litre, turbocharged, three-cylinder motor that produces 100 hp and 152 Nm felt absolutely effortless and soared to triple-digit speeds smoothly. However, performance isn't its only strong point, the motor is extremely efficient too.