Today, Renault India unveiled the subcompact SUV Kiger Concept. The upcoming Kiger will be based on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance‘s CMFA+ platform that also underpins the Triber MPV and upcoming Magnite subcompact SUV in the Indian market. With the introduction of Kiger, Renault will expand its current line-up of Duster, Kwid and Triber in the country. Renault Kiger is said to be a joint collaboration between the corporate design teams in France and in India. According to the company, the production model will be 80 percent similar to the Concept revealed today. The SUV will debut in the Indian market before reaching international market later next year. The biggest takeaway from the unveiling is that the French automaker is going to introduce an all-new turbo petrol engine with the Kiger. When launched, it will rival against the likes of Maruti Vitara Brezza, Nissan Magnite, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Tata Nexon and newly-launched Kia Sonet in the lucrative and competitive subcompact segment in India. We can expect Renault to put its starting price at Rs 5.30 lakhs (ex-showroom) in order to undercut its rivals in the domestic market.
The concept seen in these pictures stands out with its distinctive and attractive design. Upfront the vehicle stands to provide two-level LED headlights, neon coloured indicators, a grille featuring Renault logo with two slats on either side and a skid plate. While the side profile caters to 19-inch alloy wheels. As for the rear, it comes equipped with C-shaped tail lamps. According to the manufacturer, its ground clearance stands at 210mm.
To make their latest offering more appealing to the Indian buyers, the automaker is expected to offer a large infotainment screen with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The cabin will boast of the premium sound system, LED ambient lighting, steering mounted controls, wireless charging, automatic climate control among others. The company promises to offer more cabin storage and cargo space with the Kiger.
Speaking about the new product, Venkatram Mamillapalle, Country CEO & Managing Director, Renault India Operations, said, “Renault KIGER is our all-new B-SUV which will stand out as an attractive, smart and exciting offering from Groupe Renault. We are delighted to announce that the global launch of Renault KIGER will be in India, after which it will be launched in other markets across the world. After KWID and TRIBER, Renault KIGER is the third global car from Groupe Renault to be launched in India first, followed by other markets. In line with our strategy for India, Renault KIGER will exemplify disruptive innovation. It will be launched in the B-segment, which accounts for more than 50% of the total industry sales, thereby enabling us to grow our presence across the country. In a short span of time, Renault has already crossed the 6,50,000 sales milestone in India and we look forward to continuing on this progressive journey with Renault KIGER.”
The 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine powering the Renault Kiger is expected to deliver 100 bhp of power output and 160 Nm of peak torque. The manufacturer will also offer a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol unit which will belt out 71 bhp of maximum power and 99 Nm of peak torque. Both the engines will be offered with manual and CVT transmissions.
Its launch date has not been revealed by Renault but the expectations are that it could take place in the first quarter of 2021.
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