Renault Kiger will be the next big launch from the French carmaker in the country. The company unveiled the subcompact SUV in its concept avatar last month and its production model is slated to hit roads early next year. It will be the smallest and most affordable Renault SUV in India. Though, it will be slightly more expensive than the newly-launched Nissan Magnite that costs between Rs 4.99 lakh – Rs 9.45 lakh (all, ex-showroom). The Renault Kiger prices are likely to start from Rs 5.50 lakh.
In 2021, Renault aims to tap the rural market (Tier II and IV cities) with the Triber compact MPV and the upcoming Kiger compact SUV. Speaking to Autocar, Venkatram Mamillapalle, Country CEO and Managing Director, Renault India Operations, revealed that the company witnessed 30 percent sales growth in rural markets over the last 6 months. Currently, it’s in the process of expanding its sales network to over 390 showrooms and 470 service outlets (including over 200 ‘Workshop on Wheels’ facilities).
Engine setup of the new Renault compact SUV will be exactly similar to the Nissan Magnite. The latter comes with a 1.0L naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.0L turbocharged petrol motor delivering power worth 72bhp with 96Nm and 99bhp with 160Nm respectively. There will be two gearboxes on offer a 5-speed manual and a CVT automatic. The automatic transmission will be reserved for the turbo-petrol variants.
The production model will retain most of design bits (around 80 percent) from the concept. It will be built on the CMFA+ platform that also underpins the Triber MPV. Some of its key features will include split headlamps, winged grille with two horizontal slates, split LED taillamps, prominent C-pillar, rear spoiler, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, a digital instrument console, around view monitor, multi-functional steering wheel, cruise control and more.
