A new, affordable small SUV could be coming to SA. Is it a cross between a Kwid and a Triber (Kiger)?

*Kiger Image not of final product.

Renault is considering another small or compact SUV to add to its current SA lineup. The current lineup includes the Triber, Captur and Duster. The Kiger is being built on the same platform as the Triber (CMF-A+) which is also shared with the upcoming Nissan Magnite. The Kiger will only be offered as a 5-seater as opposed to the Triber which can seat 7.

The engines for the new Kiger will be carried over from the Kwid meaning a naturally aspirated 1.0 petrol engine with 52 kW and 96 Nm and a 1.0 turbopetrol variant. Understanding is that the 1.0-litre turbopetrol will be updated with more power and torque for the Kiger and will eventually be introduced into Triber. Currently, the turbopetrol (which isn’t yet offered in SA) makes 74 kW and 160 Nm of torque. Figures for the version that will go under the bonnet of the Kiger are assumed to be 86 kW and 180 Nm, which makes it more in line with what competitors from Hyundai and VW are currently offering.

In India, the Kiger will be offered with a 5-speed manual transmission, 5-speed AMT ‘box and possibly a 6-step CVT.

Not much is known about the interior yet as the car is only set to be launched in India during October 2020. In order to reduce cost, the interior parts from the Triber are likely to be transplanted into the Kiger. That includes a decent infotainment system complete with Apple Carplay and Android auto. Safety spec hasn’t been determined yet and has been somewhat of an Achilles heel for the platform. It hasn’t hindered local sales by any count though.

The Kiger is said to compete with the likes of the Hyundai Venue and Volkswagen T-Cross in the Indian market, however, based on these specifications we expect it to be priced below both of those offerings by some margin.

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