Cape Town – The Renault Kiger is yet another contender that hopes to make its mark in the fiercely competitive budget compact crossover segment that is currently being dominated by the likes of the Toyota Urban Cruiser.
The new Indian-built crossover, which will be replacing the Renault Sandero Stepway in our local market, employs the Renault-Nissan group’s CMF-A+ platform also adopted by the Nissan Magnite. Unlike its Japanese-owned counterpart however, the French-badged model is available with a choice of two engines and three transmissions. Through the winelands of Cape Town, I got behind the wheel of the flagship Intens variant.
Before we get into the bones of the Renault Kiger, let’s discuss its design. At first glance, one might be fooled into thinking that this sub-four-metre crossover was competing in a more premium segment. Key design elements such as a set of slim tri-octa pure vision LED headlamps, distinctive DRLs and chrome details on the grille work effectively to elevate its presence. 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, a 205 mm ground clearance, plastic cladding along the lower part of the body and a pair of silver roof racks add a robust feeling to the compact package. The rear presents itself as distinctive as well thanks to a pair of signature C-shaped LED taillamps, sporty hatch-mounted spoiler and faux rear skid plate.
The flagship model of the Renault Kiger range employs the firm’s turbocharged 1,0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine which produces a modest 74 kW and 160 N.m of torque to the front wheels via a CVT. This is the same drivetrain that’s offered in the Nissan Magnite but interestingly, the torque figure has not been reduced to 152 N.m.
With the Renault Kiger being made for urban environments, this engine and transmission combination comes across as well-suited for this application. While it may appear low on paper, the offering is ideal as it provides power on demand with minimal turbo lag. The CVT transmits power to the fronts as one would expect from a transmission in this segment. Press the throttle too generously and the engine is sent into a frizz with the revs lurching into the 4 000 r/min region in an attempt to keep acceleration constant.
This engine and transmission combination is clearly not fit for rapid changes in throttle inputs which gives it a disadvantage when overtaking or merging onto motorways is necessary but at set speeds, composure is impressive making it decently suited to freeway driving.
Renault claims that the Kiger 1,0 Turbo will sip 5,4 L/100 km on a combined cycle however, after our lengthy drive the compact crossover displayed a reading of 8,1 L/100 km.
While the drivetrain translates a respectable amount of refinement and composure given the segment it competes in, where the Renault Kiger starts to split apart just a bit is in its dynamic capabilities. As we’ve noted with the other two products that employ this platform, being the Nissan Magnite and Renault Triber, the CMF-A+ falls short in its athletic abilities.
Using a front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension, the Renault Kiger lacks an anti-roll bar on the rear axle. Coupling this in with its somewhat taller ride, dull electrically assisted steering feedback and budget-focused tyres, I found that the compact crossover struggled to remain composed during lane changes at highway speeds. There’s also a considerable amount of body roll even through the modest of corners.
Where the Renault Kiger shines brightly is its comfort levels. The generous tyre profile, well-sprung chassis and increased ride height work together to soften the blows caused by general indentations along the tarmac. The crossover further impressed over our short gravel segment.
Thankfully in the flagship offering of the Renault Kiger, essential safety features such as traction and electronic stability control, ABS with electronic brake distribution and four airbags are fitted as standard for peace of mind.
Being a crossover, practicality is an important aspect for the Renault Kiger. From within the cabin, packaging feels rather generous. For starters, storage space for essentials is not in shortage with compartments along the centre console, transmission tunnel and door cards being made available to the driver and passengers. Thanks to a height adjustable seat, headroom for the driver is adequate while the rear bench offers generous head- and legroom.
The highlight of the cockpit is the 8,0-inch touchscreen infotainment system which is connected to a 3D Arkamys auditorium speaker system. The system is loaded with essential software such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and works well to elevate the feeling of sophistication in the cabin together with the 7,0-inch TFT instrument cluster.
Unfortunately, the perceived quality of the interior is where the cabin experience of the Renault Kiger starts to falter. Like most of its rivals in this segment, the use of hard plastic surfaces is dominant but the ones used here feel cheap and scratchy to the touch.
As I’ve said, the Renault Kiger enters a market that is probably the most hotly contested in South Africa with established products such as the Toyota Urban Cruiser already winning the hearts of many consumers. However, considering the success Renault has been able to achieve with the notably criticised Kwid, there’s a possibility that the Kiger may be a hit with consumers looking to enter the crossover ownership experience.
Regardless, based on first impressions the new contender feels as if it falls a bit short. In terms of visual presence, standard specifications, comfort and even the drivetrain, it impresses but the overall offering is being held back by shoddy dynamic capabilities and poor cabin perceived quality.
Fast facts
Model: Renault Kiger 1,0 Turbo Intens CVT
Price: R289 900
Engine: 1,0-litre, three-cylinder, turbopetrol
Power: 74 kW at 5 000 r/min
Torque: 160 N.m at 3 500 r/min
0-100 km/h: N/A
Top Speed: N/A
Fuel Consumption: 5,4 L/100 km
CO2: 129 g/km
Transmission: CVT
Service Plan: Three-years/45 000 km
