The sub-four-meter compact sports utility vehicle market has been booming in recent years. Indians suddenly had a choice to buy an SUV, which many aspired for, at the price similar to or just slightly more than premium hatchbacks and entry-level sedans.
French carmaker Renault is all set to disrupt the market with the launch of the Kiger SUV at introductory prices starting Rs 5.45 lakh ex-showroom, which trumps all other compact SUVs in its class. The Magnite SUV launched by its global alliance partner Nissan is currently available at prices starting Rs 5.49 lakh ex-showroom.
The Rs 5.45 lakh price is for the entry-level model of the Kiger powered by a 72hp petrol manual transmission version. This will also be available with an automatic and manual transmission options, with prices going up to Rs 8 lakh.
Renault is also launching the Kiger with a 100hp turbo petrol engine, the price for which starts at Rs 7.14 lakh. This will also be available with CVT automatic transmission and the top end version (RxZ - CVT) will cost Rs 9.55 lakh.
The Renault Kiger's features include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Arkamys audio system, wireless charging and even an air filter. It also gets multiple safety features including airbags, ABS, rearview camera among other things. But, there is no sunroof on offer even on the higher trims.
Renault has opened bookings for the Kiger from Monday and dispatches to its 500-plus dealer network had already begun from its Chennai plant.
The Kiger made its global debut recently and India is the first market where it is launching. This Made in India SUV will also drive into other right hand drive markets soon.
With its sporty design, features and the price, which undercuts all its compact SUV rivals, Renault has checked all the right boxes. But, the ride is certainly not going to be easy, given the aggressive and well-established products like the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra's XUV300, Ford Ecosport, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Toyota Urban Cruiser.
But perhaps the biggest competition will be from Nissan's Magnite, which is also based on the same CMFA platform. The platform also underpins the Renault Triber that was launched last year.
Korean carmaker Hyundai and its sister company Kia together dominate India's SUV market, followed by Maruti Suzuki and Mahindra. Several companies including Volkswagen, Citroen, Mahindra and Tata Motors have lined up new SUV launches in the country this year.