The all new Renault Kiger is here. What is so attractive about this tyke is the pricing. Starting at just 5.45 lakh (Ex-showroom), this is the cheapest compact SUV.  So, is it worth it or not. Read further to explore.

SPECIFICATIONS: COMPLETE DETAILS

STEERING

Type Electric power steering

SUSPENSION/BRAKE

Front: MacPherson strut with lower transverse link/Disc brake

Rear: Twist beam suspension with coil spring/drum

TYRES

195/60

DIMENSIONS & CAPACITIES

Overall length: 3991 mm

Overall width: 1750 mm

Overall height inclusive of roof bars: 1605 mm

Wheelbase: 2500 mm

Front track: 1536 mm

Rear track: 1535 mm

Fuel tank capacity: 40 litres

Ground clearance (mm): 205

Boot space:  405 litres

Coming to the design, Renault Kiger is jaunty. The chrome finished front grille gives a vivid look from the front. The tri-octa pure visionLED lamps with LED day & night DRLs (with 3 beams) is sure a purposeful addition. Even the c-shaped signature LED tail lamps at the beautifies the SUV and makes it looks distinct.  The ~41 cm diamond cut alloys is another savvy décor that is prominent. So, if style is the concern Kiger delivers it.

Moving on to the interiors, it is very smartly crafted in terms of space. Kiger boasts of 405 litres bootspace, the largest in the segment. The total cabin storage 29L – including console with 7.5L , glove boxes 14.9L, holders, etc. The rear leg space is also 20.2 cm which is spacious enough. The graphic displays in the gear and modes is also appreciable. Besides it has additions like 20.32 cm floating info system which can replicate your phone, wirelessly using Carplay. Smart access is also available. Wire less charger and air purifiers comes as an additional purchase, they could’ve mandated it. The flip side is that the interior seats and trims looks little cheap and less comfortable.

Next going to the performance, the SUV may be a bit disappointing. Yes, we understand the aggressive pricing, but still it has to go compete with chiefs like Creta, Brezza, MG, etc. The 1-L MT engine produces maximum torque of 160 Nm. It is one of the quickest SUVs as it can reach 0-100 kmph within 10 seconds. The lightness of the car is easily felt with large range of wheelspin. It doesn’t have traction or ESP so it sort of aggressively shakes even for small turns. The lack of sound proof cladding is a disappointment. The coarse nature of the diesel engine is felt inside the SUV.  The gearbox is also not that covenient.

Coming to safety it odes give 4 airbags, parking sensor, ABS+EBD. But a little more control would’ve have given the advantage to vehicle.

We were impressed by

• Aggressive pricing with good amount of features makes its attractive amongst consumers
• Spacious interiors is a lucrative USP of the car
• Valuable ride quality and engine performance

Least impressive things

• Looks similar to KWID, original would’ve been good
• Poor quality interiors
• Poor Noise and vibration harnessing levels’
• Lack of diesel variant

Conclusion

The price range of Kiger is around Rs.5.45 – 9.72 Lakh (Ex-Showroom). Clearly Kiger is aggressively priced without doubt. But for it to compete in the compact SUV segment it falls a little too short. What’s your view? Post the comments below.