A New Identity: Exterior and Interior Reimagined

Renault’s design team has given the Kiger a significant refresh, starting with a new front fascia. The most noticeable change is the new-age Renault ‘Nouvelle Vague’ logo, which now sits prominently on a redesigned grille. The new front bumper, featuring a wide air dam with a subtle silver surround, gives the Kiger a more muscular and planted stance. The lighting signature has been refined with new LED fog lamp clusters and updated Tri-octa LED headlamps.

From the side, the profile remains largely the same, but new 16-inch dual-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels add a premium touch. The rear of the vehicle has also been updated with a tweaked bumper and a smoked-out reverse light section, giving the C-shaped LED tail lamps a fresh appeal. Renault has also expanded the colour palette with a vibrant new green and a fresh yellow finish, along with dual-tone options for the top-spec Turbo variants at no extra cost. Functional roof rails with a 50kg load-bearing capacity are another practical addition.

Inside, the cabin layout is familiar but now features a new black and light grey dual-tone theme. This change, combined with improved materials and new trim inserts on the dashboard and door pads, elevates the cabin’s ambiance. A major highlight is the introduction of ventilated front seats on the top-end Emotion variant, a feature that provides a significant comfort advantage in India’s climate.

A New Benchmark for Safety: Six Airbags Standard

In a bold and industry-leading move, Renault has made six airbags standard across all variants of the Kiger facelift. This includes dual front, side, and curtain airbags, providing comprehensive protection for all occupants. This is a game-changer in a segment where many rivals offer this feature only on the most expensive trims.

Beyond the airbags, the Kiger facelift comes with a suite of advanced safety features as standard:

• Electronic Stability Program (ESP): This helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle in challenging conditions.
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Provides real-time alerts for under-inflated tires.
• Hill Start Assist (HSA): Prevents the vehicle from rolling back on inclines.
• Traction Control System (TCS): Automatically adjusts power delivery to prevent wheelspin on slippery surfaces.

These additions, along with the existing ABS with EBD and ISOFIX child seat mounts, make the new Kiger one of the safest sub-4m SUVs on the market.

Feature-Rich and Tech-Savvy

The Kiger facelift is packed with technology to enhance convenience and connectivity. The infotainment system is an 8-inch floating touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A new multi-view 360-degree camera system, available on the top-spec Emotion variant, provides an all-around view of the car, making parking and navigating tight spots effortless.

Other key features include:

• Auto headlamps and rain-sensing wipers
• Wireless smartphone charger
• A 7-inch full-digital instrument cluster
• Cooled glove box
• Rear AC vents

The Kiger also offers three multi-sense drive modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—that adjust throttle response, steering feel, and CVT gear ratios to suit the driver’s mood and driving conditions.

Powertrain Performance and Efficiency

The Kiger facelift retains its two proven and reliable engine options, catering to a wide range of customer needs.

• 1.0-litre Naturally Aspirated (NA) Petrol: This 999cc, three-cylinder engine produces 72hp and 96Nm of torque. It is offered with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT, providing a reliable and fuel-efficient option for city driving.
• 1.0-litre Turbo-Petrol: The more powerful 999cc, three-cylinder turbocharged engine delivers a punchy 100hp and 160Nm of torque (152Nm with the CVT). This engine is paired with a 5-speed manual or a smooth CVT. The turbo variant is noted for its impressive performance, offering a quick 0-100 km/h acceleration.

Renault has also made the Kiger E20 ethanol-blended fuel ready, and a dealer-fitted CNG kit is available for the NA variants, providing a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative for buyers.

Competition and Market Position

With these significant updates, the Renault Kiger facelift is poised to intensify its battle against key rivals such as the Nissan Magnite, Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter, and Maruti Suzuki Fronx. While the Kiger and Magnite share a platform and many components, the Kiger’s new focus on standard safety features gives it a distinct edge. The addition of features like ventilated seats and a 360-degree camera also positions it competitively against the feature-packed Hyundai Exter.