Honestly, if you go out to buy a car today, everyone will point you toward the Nexon or the Brezza. It’s like a default setting in India. But every time I pass a Renault Kiger on the road, I stop and think-man, that looks sharp. It’s got that sporty, aggressive stance that most SUVs in this price bracket wish they had.
But looks are one thing, and living with a car daily is another. I’ve been digging into the 2026 refresh of the Kiger lately, and here’s my honest, no-filter take on whether it deserves a spot in your driveway.
The Engine: Small but Mighty?
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room-the 1.0-litre engine. On paper, it sounds tiny. But if you get the Turbo version, it’s a different story altogether. It’s got this “peppy” feel that’s perfect for city zipping.
What really surprised me? The CVT gearbox. Most budget automatics (AMTs) give you that annoying “head-nod” every time the gear shifts. In the Kiger? It’s buttery smooth. Sure, it’s not a race car, but for daily commutes, it’s a blessing. And yeah, the ‘Sport’ mode actually does something-it makes the steering feel a bit more “connected.”
Ground Clearance & That Massive Boot
If you live in a city with “mountainous” speed breakers (basically everywhere in India), you’ll love the 205mm ground clearance. I’ve seen this car glide over things that make sedans cringe.
And then there’s the boot. 405 litres. That’s huge for a car this size. You can basically dump your entire life’s luggage in there and still have room for a spare tyre. For a small family, it’s a massive practical win.
The Reality Check (Where it Fails)
I’m not going to sugarcoat it-the Kiger isn’t perfect.
- The Noise: Once you cross 80-90 kmph, the cabin gets a bit noisy. You’ll hear the road and the engine humming more than you’d like.
- Interior Quality: It’s functional, but you won’t find any soft-touch leather on the dash. It’s all hard plastic. It feels durable, but definitely not “premium.”
- No Sunroof: If you’re a fan of sun-roofs or fancy 360-degree cameras, you’ll be disappointed. Renault has kept it basic here to keep the price down.
My Final Thought
The Renault Kiger is for the person who’s tired of following the crowd. It’s for the buyer who wants a car that looks fantastic, handles Indian roads like a pro, and doesn’t break the bank.
If you care about practicality and safety (it’s got a 4-star rating!) more than fancy gadgets, go for it. It’s probably the most underrated “value” package you can find in 2026.
Dhanush, an automobile expert with over 5 years of experience in the latest auto news and updates. Your go-to source for every development in the world of cars and bikes