The Renault Kiger remains one of the most affordable compact SUVs in the country
With this post, we give ourselves an opportunity to dive into the top attractions of the Renault Kiger. Kiger was launched with the aim of making compact SUVs more accessible to a wider range of customers. In a price-conscious country like India, affordability is the only way to achieve that. Hence, the French carmaker offered the Kiger at an enticing price point, which was even lower than a premium hatchback. That is what made the Renault Kiger successful. I recently reviewed the Kiger, after which I would love to share some pros of the SUV with our readers.
5 Pros of Renault Kiger
- Peppy Turbo Engine – The biggest talking point about the performance of the Renault Kiger stems from its peppy 1.0-litre turbo petrol mill. This generates a healthy 100 PS and 160 Nm of maximum power and torque, respectively. For an SUV of this size, this engine delivers enthusiastic performance. You won’t ever feel the need for more power.
- Multiple Transmission Alternatives – The Renault Kiger comes with two gearbox options – a 5-speed manual and a CVT automatic. I personally prefer the manual since it gives the driver more control. Nevertheless, CVTs are known for being extremely smooth, which is great for the comfort of the passengers. In essence, the buyers can opt for the one which makes the most sense as per their requirements.
- Mileage – Next up, the Renault Kiger is also an attractive option if fuel efficiency is at the top of your priority list. If you drive the car relatively gently, you can easily expect a mileage of around 15-20 km/l. With cruise control, I was able to sequester over 20 km//l. That is quite impressive and great for those who buy cars based on their mileage figures.
- Ground Clearance – I believe this is one of the most practical aspects of the SUV. We know that Indian roads are quite unpredictable and the potholes can appear everywhere. Hence, a car with a high ground clearance is almost a necessity. With a decent ground clearance of 205 mm, the Kiger can glide over most uneven surfaces you will come across in your daily ride.
- Value for Money – Finally, the value for money angle has to be the most critical factor, especially in a price-conscious country like India. Ever since its launch, that has been its superpower. Going forward, it is clear that it remains to be the case.
3 Cons of Renault Kiger
- Turbo Lag – Now, even though the turbo petrol mill is peppy and exciting, there is a considerable turbo lag at low RPMs. This means that you have to shift gears frequently to keep the vehicle in that power band. I am sure some people will find it a bit annoying.
- Underwhelming Cabin – For a small car with a peppy turbo petrol engine, I found the cabin layout to be a bit too subtle. I must mention that there is no issue with the interior components. It’s just that enthusiastic drivers will generally opt for this mill. To pamper them, some sporty elements would’ve been really nice.
- Awkward Seatbelt Slot – Finally, for heavy individuals, slotting in the seatbelt might be a bit inconvenient as the lever is positioned deep to the side of the seat. I know this might be nitpicking for many, but I did find it a bit strange. These are all the pros and cons of the Renault Kiger after my time with the compact SUV.
Also Read: What To Expect From The Upcoming Renault Kiger Facelift?
