The Renault Kiger is currently the most affordable compact SUV available in India, with prices starting at Rs 5.45 lakh. There are 24 versions to choose from, including four powertrain options and four variants; each variant gets dual-tone colour options for a Rs 17,000 premium. We tell you which Kiger variant is the best of the lot.
- Renault Kiger priced between Rs 5.45-9.72 lakh
- Opt for the 100hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol over the 72hp petrol engine
- Mid-spec RXT variant gives you the most bang for your buck
Renault Kiger: 100hp turbo engine worth the premium
Interestingly, the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite share three out of four powertrain options. While both compact SUVs get a 100hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol with manual and CVT auto options (the Kiger CVT is priced Rs 1 lakh higher than the respective manual counterparts), unlike the Magnite, the Kiger also comes with a 5-speed AMT auto option (Rs 45,000) for the weaker 72hp, 1.0-litre naturally aspirated unit.
Between the 72hp and 100hp engines, the turbocharged unit is by far the more responsive and peppy one, and is well worth the Rs 1 lakh premium. If your commutes are city-based, opting for the CVT will add convenience for decent money.
Renault Kiger RXE: gets more than the basics
Although the entry-level RXE trim (Rs 5.45-5.62 lakh) is only available with the 72hp engine and a manual gearbox, it is decently well-kitted. Features such as two airbags, ABS, EBD, rear parking sensors, LED DRLs and tail-lights, manual adjust ORVMs with indicators, 16-inch steel wheels with covers, roof rails, a 3.5-inch LED instrument display, a front armrest, a manual AC and front power windows are standard.
Renault Kiger RXL: best option on a tight budget
Kiger RXL trims (Rs 6.14-7.31 lakh) are available with the 72hp engine in manual and AMT form, and the 100hp engine with a manual gearbox. Kit such as an audio system with Bluetooth and USB compatibility, four speakers, rear AC vents, rear power windows, power adjustable ORVMs and a tilt-adjust steering have been added for a Rs 69,000 premium. Considering the increase in price and kit, if you’re on a serious budget, the RXL will prove to be a value buy.
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Renault Kiger RXT: our pick of the range
RXT variants (Rs 6.60-8.77 lakh) come with all four powertrain options and feature side airbags, ISOFIX anchors, a rear camera, rear wiper, different wheel covers, functional roof rails, an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, steering-mounted controls, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, keyless entry and go, a rear armrest and 60:40 split folding rear seats. For just Rs 46,000 more than the RXT, you get quite a lot of premium kit and technology, making the Kiger RXT the best variant to buy.
Renault Kiger RXZ: well-equipped and well-priced
The range-topping RXZ variants (Rs 7.55-9.72 lakh) get a rear defogger, LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, an eight-speaker ARKAMYS audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, climate control, drive modes, a PM2.5 air filter, power folding ORVMs and a cooled glovebox.
While all this equipment does enhance the Renault Kiger’s appeal, it comes for almost Rs 1 lakh more than the RXT. So, while the top-spec Kiger RXZ is well priced and very well-equipped in its segment, it loses out to the RXT on value.
Prices as on April 26, 2021
All prices, ex-showroom, pan-India
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Suraj Viswanathan
Hormazd Sorabjee
