Renault Kiger: In a segment where flashy newcomers steal headlines every other month, Renault’s plucky Kiger soldiers on with subtle but meaningful updates for 2025. The French manufacturer’s compact SUV has carved out a modest but loyal following since its debut, and the latest iteration aims to keep that momentum going with enhanced features and E20-compliant powertrains.
More Bang for Your Buck: Feature Upgrades Across Variants
Walking through Renault’s showroom in Gurgaon last week, I couldn’t help but notice the refreshed Kiger lineup prominently displayed. The sales executive, Rahul, was quick to point out the changes for 2025.
“Most customers don’t realize how much extra equipment you get now in the mid-spec variants,” he explained while showing me around an RXL model. “The wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility used to be reserved for top trims, but now it’s trickling down.”
The base RXE variant still starts at a competitive ₹6.15 lakh, while the range-topping RXZ dual-tone with all the bells and whistles will set you back ₹11.23 lakh (all prices ex-showroom). It’s not exactly cheap anymore, but then again, what is in today’s market?
Renault kiger: Same Heart, Cleaner Emissions
Under the hood, Renault hasn’t messed with a winning formula. The Kiger continues to offer two engine options – a naturally aspirated 1.0-liter unit making 71 bhp and 96 Nm, and a peppier turbocharged version of the same displacement that pumps out 97 bhp and 160 Nm.
What has changed is that both engines are now E20 compliant, meaning they can run on fuel with up to 20% ethanol content – a forward-thinking move as India pushes toward greater use of biofuels.
I briefly tested the turbo variant with the CVT (what Renault calls ‘X-Tronic’) during my showroom visit, and it remains a smooth performer around town. The CVT does its job without drawing attention to itself – exactly what you want in stop-and-go traffic.
Design: Familiar Face, For Now
Those hoping for a dramatic redesign will need to wait a bit longer. The 2025 updates focus on features rather than aesthetics, with the Kiger retaining its distinctive front end with tri-LED headlamps and C-shaped LED daytime running lights.
“We’re expecting a proper facelift sometime in Q3 this year,” whispered Rahul when I pressed him about the Kiger’s unchanged looks. “The test mules have already been spotted with split headlamps and the new Renault logo. But don’t quote me on that!”
The current design still holds its own, with sharp character lines and muscular wheel arches giving it a purposeful stance. The floating roof effect with dual-tone options adds a touch of flair, though I personally prefer the single-tone Caspian Blue that really makes the chrome accents pop.
Tech That Matters: No-Nonsense Equipment
Inside, the Kiger continues to impress with its 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless smartphone connectivity. Higher variants get a 7-inch TFT digital instrument cluster that offers customizable displays – a feature that still feels premium in this segment.
My neighbor Prashant, who’s been driving a Kiger turbo for nearly two years now, swears by the Bose 8-speaker audio system. “For the price, you won’t find better sound quality in any other car,” he insisted when I mentioned my showroom visit. “Even my brother’s car that costs twice as much doesn’t sound this good.”
Practical touches like the 405-liter boot (massive for a sub-4m vehicle) and clever storage solutions throughout the cabin continue to be strong selling points. The 60:40 split rear seats add flexibility that young families appreciate.
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Safety Fundamentals: The Basics Covered
On the safety front, the Kiger covers the essentials with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a rear-view camera. Higher variants add side airbags and electronic stability control, though some competitors now offer six airbags as standard equipment.
During my visit, a young couple was specifically asking about ADAS features – a sign of changing consumer priorities – but that’s territory the Kiger hasn’t ventured into yet. Something for the rumored facelift, perhaps?
Renault kiger: Market Position: Value Player in a Premium-Leaning Segment
As rivals like the Nexon, Venue, and Sonet continue pushing upmarket with feature-loaded variants crossing the ₹13 lakh mark, the Kiger maintains its position as a value-focused alternative. The top-end variant, while not cheap, still undercuts similarly equipped competitors by a noticeable margin.
“Most of our customers are first-time SUV buyers upgrading from hatchbacks,” explained Rahul. “They want the SUV look and feel without breaking the bank. The Kiger hits that sweet spot.”
With Renault India announcing plans to launch five new models over the next two years – including the highly anticipated new Duster – the company clearly isn’t backing down from the Indian market despite challenging conditions. The Kiger’s steady evolution is part of a larger strategy to rebuild Renault’s presence in one of the world’s most competitive automotive battlegrounds.
For now, the 2025 updates keep the Kiger relevant in its segment – not the flashiest option, perhaps, but one that continues to offer solid value in an increasingly expensive market. Sometimes, that’s exactly what buyers need.