The Renault Kiger has been one of the more accessible compact SUVs in the Indian market since its launch, often praised for its funky styling and value-for-money package. With an image that was more functional than exciting, the 2025 update seeks to change that perception. Particularly with the 98 bhp turbocharged petrol CVT variant, which we tested on a closed track. This quick experience showed us how the Kiger has evolved to deliver engaging performance while staying practical for Indian buyers.
Drive Impressions
The 2025 Renault Kiger arrives as a sharper and more complete compact SUV. Our day at the test track gave us the chance to push the 98 bhp 1.0-litre turbo petrol with CVT drivetrain to its limits. This variant is positioning itself for urban buyers who also value spirited driving. Renault claims a 0–100 kmph time of 11 seconds, and the delivery of power through the CVT was smooth. The flat torque delivery peaking at 152 Nm between 2,200 – 4,400 rpm kept the Kiger agile across the quick corners.
Handling
The chassis tuning is impressive with its stability at speed. With 205 mm of ground clearance, it retains an SUV stance whilst feeling composed, leaning far less than expected for its class. The multi-sense driving modes, Normal, Eco and Sport, make a difference with sharper throttle and steering responses in Sport. Braking performance is decent as well. The car’s six-airbag set-up (standard across the range) is a welcome addition.
Electronic stability control, traction control, and hill start systems cut in predictably with no intrusive feel for the driver. For a sub-4m SUV, the Kiger manages to deliver much confidence, something buyers upgrading from hatchbacks will appreciate.
Design & Cabin
The updated Kiger is able to build on its muscular styling with sharper tri-octa LED headlamps, redesigned bumpers and new two-tone colour choices. It does draw attention for its balance of compact proportions and SUV stance. Step inside and the ventilated leatherette seats, 7-inch TFT digital cluster and 8-inch central touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay highlight the effort to make the cabin more premium. The cabin layout offers great visibility all around, aided by the 35-degree viewing angle and elevated driving position. This will help you with confidence during quick lane changes when required.
Practical touches such as 405 litres of boot space, 29 litres of interior storage and functional roof rails rated for 50 kg, make it family-ready. But again, we will have to take it out on the road for some actual testing later.
Rest Of The Range
While our test was focused on the turbo petrol CVT, Renault offers the Kiger in four trims, Authentic, Evolution, Techno and Emotion, spread across 1.0-litre Energy (71 bhp, MT/AMT), 1.0-litre Turbo (98 bhp, MT) and the Turbo CVT (98 bhp). A factory-fit CNG option is also available for manual variants, improving running costs. Across the line-up, the inclusion of six airbags as standard and 21 safety features is a significant step. We assume the 1.0-litre will again be gaining more sales of the bunch, with the CNG becoming the preferred choice for city folk.
The Renault Kiger Turbo CVT variant proved itself as enjoyable on the test track with its 98 bhp engine and responsive CVT. As we mentioned earlier, more real-world driving will be needed to judge fuel efficiency, ride comfort and city traffic behaviour. But first impressions suggest that the Kiger now combines practicality with a sense of fun.
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