Renault Kiger 1.0T Intens CVT Test Review

Another week, another Crossover/SUV. With this market segment currently accounting for around 40% of new vehicle sales, it's no surprise that more and more manufacturers are looking for a slice of this lucrative pie. This time it's the turn of the very recently launched Renault Kiger. With the worldwide Renault and Nissan alliance, there are many similarities to the Nissan Magnite which shares platform and engine. Yet, the Renault version shows many points of individuality and, of course, some typically French touches as well. Starting with the engine and drivetrain, the Kiger uses the familiar 1L 3 cylinder petrol engine. Base models use a non-turbo version and upper models, as tested, add a turbo to the recipe. Although I have not driven the naturally aspirated version, it is clear that performance is leisurely to say the least in this case. The turbo version provides good response with some lag on pull-off but a good shove as the turbo kick in. 74kW and 160Nm provides for performance that is good and provides reasonable overtaking ability at freeway speeds. The test car was the range topping model fitted with a CVT automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels. When driven as intended, the gearbox is smooth and comfortable. If you try to rush the vehicle, the "shifts" from the CVT become a bit harsh but I must emphasize that this is not a vehicle designed for spirited driving. The Kiger provides a drivetrain selection that offers Eco, normal or sport modes. I often find that these make very little difference in more average vehicles. In this case, there is a marked change in response in each mode, although I would reserve Eco mode for use on long trips only. I would also plan overtaking manoeuvres and then shift into normal or sport mode. As a top model, the Kiger Intens has many items like LED head and tail lights, 16" alloys, auto airconditioning, infotainment screen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, dual gloveboxes with the lower box being cooled and a rear 12V socket. The boot is large but has a very high loading sill which should be taken into account if you plan to load heavy items often that will then have to be lifted up and over. The rear seats are split 60/40 to extend the load area. One point that I really dislike (although this is not unique to this car) is that the full size spare wheel under the boot board is a 15" item wheras the wheels on the car are 16". I have never been able to understand why numerous manufacturers provide this in new cars. Fuel economy for the test period was 7.2l/100km. This was made up of urban and freeway driving only without our usual open road trip so I think this figure is quite acceptable for most owners. Overall, the Kiger was comfortable and easy to drive and live with. The top spec version providing an excellent spec level for the price and category. The current price as tested is R289 900 with the Kiger range starting at R199 900. A 3 year / 45 000km service plan is included. #Renault #RenaultSA #RenaultZA #RenaultSouthAfrica #RenaultKiger #Kiger #CrossoverSUV #CompactSUV #BudgetCrossoverSUV #BudgetSUV #FamilyCar #BudgetFamilyCar