Renault Kiger due to land in SA later this year

Geared towards first-time drivers and youth, the Renault Kiger can be described as the French company’s version of the Nissan-Magnite, a subcompact SUV sold by Renault’s sister company, Nissan. 

While the Renault Kiger will only hit the South African market in the third quarter of 2021, the car was due to be launched in India on January 28th. Renault claims they worked with Indian designers on the Kiger’s design and looks, so it comes as no surprise that the car will be revealed there first. 

Like earlier mentioned, the Renault Kiger closely follows in the footsteps of the Nissan Magnite, carrying over the Magnite’s engine specifications, gearbox and interior design. The only major difference between the two cars is the fact that the Kiger seems to have a more appealing and futuristic design, of course, that’s not to say that the Magnite isn’t a looker in its own right. 

The Nissan Magnite is set to launch in South Africa in the first quarter of 2021. 

The Kiger will launch with two engine configurations, a 72 hp 1.0-litre three-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine borrowed from the Renault Triber, and a more powerful 100 hp 1.0 litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that also comes with the Nissan Magnite.

Reports indicate that the Kiger will ship with two gearbox options; a 5-speed manual gearbox configuration and a Continuously Variable (CVT) automatic transmission system. The two will deliver the car’s rather modest power to the car’s front-wheel-drive system.

Design-wise, the Renault Kiger is largely based on the Kiger show car, a futurist concept car that was revealed by the French company late last year.

Renault says that the Kiger will keep 80% of the concept car’s looks, only ditching the humongous 19-inch wheels, the massive front and rear bumpers, the dual central exhaust system and the concept car’s rather outlandish paint job.

At the front, the car features a stunning split headlight set up with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) positioned above the main headlights. The headlight assembly features tri-beam projector lights.  

At the back, C-shaped rear lights along with a dual exhaust centralised system are show-stealers.

Renault didn’t share too much information about the car’s interior, however, reports indicate that the car will come with a cabin similar to that of the Renault Triber. 

With that information, we should expect to see an 8-inch infotainment system with both Apple car play and android auto, a digital instrument cluster, a dual glove box and automotive climate control feature in the interior.

Details about pricing and availability are yet to be released by Renault, however we speculate the Kiger shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg bearing in mind the target market the French company is producing this car for.