Renault Kiger concept unveiled, India launch in 2021

KUALA LUMPUR: Last Month, Nissan pulled the wraps off a tiny SUV named Magnite, developed for the Indian market. And now the Japanese automaker’s ally, Renault introduced its own pint-sized crossover in the country. Both compact SUVs fall in the sub-four-meter segment that has blossomed in recent years with multiple options for prospective buyers, including the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport, Kia Sonet, and Toyota Urban Cruiser.

The upcoming Renault Kiger is based on the CMFA+ architecture that also underpins the Renault Triber. Design-wise, it is the result of a pact between corporate design teams in India and France. The SUV features muscular styling cues in the form of a sculpted bonnet, a semi-floating roof with integrated spoiler flag drop, airplane wings like tapered mirrors, and a sloping rear window. The 210-mm ground clearance with reinforced lower flaps and pronounced shoulders further confirms the escaped spirit of the SUV. 

The show car also highlights the sporty side with elements like a double central exhaust system, 19-inch wheels, double extractor, front and rear skid plates, and roof rails. In terms of lightning, the Kiger has two-level of full LED headlights, neon indicator lights, and C-shaped tail lights.

Talking about the Kiger’s interior, the automaker has not revealed any cabin shot as of now, but we can expect that it will be loading up the SUV with several features as this is a keen focus area for customers in this segment.

The features that may find their way to the all-new Kiger include a large infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a premium sound system, steering-mounted controls, automatic air-conditioning, wireless phone charging, and ambient lighting.

Details about the SUV’s powertrain are also not known at this moment, however, it is likely to share the engine options with the Nissan Magnite. So, there could be a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre mill with 71 hp and 96 Nm of torque, and a turbocharged unit with the same displacement good for 99 hp and 160 Nm. For transmission, a 5-speed manual and CVT options might be included.

The production-spec Renault Kiger is slated to arrive early next year. As a global product; it will be first launched in India, followed by other emerging markets.

Also read: Check out Europe’s first coupe-crossover, the Renault Arkana