(Per)form Factor

Let’s paint a picture of the ideal SUV. You start off with a sleek silhouette that inspires confidence and exhilaration. Now throw in a powerful 1.0-litre turbocharged engine and a slick-shifting gearbox. Add a dash of cutting-edge technology for good measure and don’t forget that plush SUV ride quality. Good job! Chances are that we’re on the same page and only one image comes to mind — the Renault Kiger.

Whether it’s the daily commute to office or outings with the gang, navigating the urban jungle can be a tricky affair. Jammed roads, potholes, stray pedestrians, it’s all a mess. Luckily, the Kiger has you covered with its silky 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine and smooth gearbox, making city driving as easy as 1,2,3. Helping along the way are also the Kiger’s intelligent multi-sense drive modes: Eco, Normal and Sport; catering to any challenge the urban gauntlet throws its way.
 

But that’s still not the whole picture. Out on the open highway, the 100hp engine and splendid driving dynamics make light work of any challenge standing in the Kiger’s path. A lightning-quick 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 10 seconds is what tells the story. The Kiger’s strong SUV underpinnings also make it the ideal compatriot should the road ahead be off the beaten path; the lofty 205mm ground clearance has got you covered.

Complementing the Renault Kiger’s stellar performance figures is a typically European robust safety package with 4 airbags, ABS and EBD alongside Brake Assist, a tire pressure monitoring system, traction control and hill start assist. The result? A solid 4 star Global NCAP crash test rating; completing the holistic safety suite. Speaking of going places, the Kiger’s well-equipped cabin is the ideal place to be in for those long cross-country road trips. Offering a cavernous 405-litre boot alongside a comfortable and spacious cabin, the Renault Kiger gobbles up any road trip-related worries one might have.

And this is all thanks to the fact that it’s built on the same CMFA+ platform as the Triber, allowing excellent optimisation of both weight and space. In fact, even Renault’s choice to power the Kiger with a 1.0-litre engine is in the same spirit, freeing up more cabin space without any compromise on driving dynamics.

The gift that keeps on giving, the Renault Kiger always has something more to offer. And these traits shine brightest when it comes to tech. Offering a cutting-edge 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the Kiger keeps itself in vogue courtesy of an ARKAMYS speaker setup for an immersive and modern infotainment experience. Rounding off the tech on offer is a wireless charging set up that rids one of the need to carry around charging cables.

Despite starting at under Rs 10 lakh, the Kiger Turbo manages to effortlessly combine thrilling performance, an engaging driving experience, stellar safety and a tech-savvy cabin all in a deliciously attractive SUV package. Whatever challenges the road ahead throws at you, this is the car for the job.

Also see:

Renault Kiger likely to get a sporty variant

Renault Kiger long term review, 11,500km report