Fighting for a piece of the action in a highly competitive compact SUV segment that sees multiple offerings from the Chinese, Korean, and Japanese markets, Renault has introduced the Kiger Turbo.
Building on the naturally aspirated Kiger’s success with smart pricing, good fuel efficiency and smart new design, Renault hopes the jump in power and drivability is enough to lure more buyers to the brand.
With power up from 52kW to 74kW and torque from 96Nm to 160Nm, you can straight away feel the difference over the somewhat lethargic non-turbocharged version. Not in a street racer kind of way, obviously, but the extra urge is felt right from the word go, and is most welcome, especially on the open road.
Two trim levels
The Kiger Turbo is available in two trim levels, Techno and Iconic, and two transmission choices, five-speed manual, and X-Tronic. The top-of-the-range Iconic we drove at the media launch came with a CVT as standard and multi-sense drive modes, which let you switch between Eco, Normal and Sport.
Toggling between the modes made no real difference, and I have a feeling that 99% of owners will leave the Kiger Turbo in Normal mode and let the CVT do all the work. And I must admit that, as far as CVTs go, the Kiger Turbo was not bad. Especially if you make peace with the fact that this compact SUV is happiest closer to home than barrelling through the Karoo at high speed.
What might be of more importance is that claims put the fuel consumption of the Kiger Turbo at 5ℓ/100km for the manual derivatives and 6ℓ/100km for the CVT. Which is right in the ballpark of the naturally aspirated models.
Value for money
“This updated version brings meaningful improvements to performance, technology, design, and safety. These are enhancements that reinforce the Kiger’s position as one of the most compelling options in the compact SUV segment,” says Shumani Tshifularo, CEO of Renault South Africa.
“With these advancements, the Kiger continues to stand out as one of the most competitively priced vehicles in its class, offering exceptional value without compromise.”
The Kiger Turbo brings smarter cabin and more advanced tech, new convenience features for a premium feel, turbocharged engine and multi-sense drive modes, front ventilated leather seats, wireless smartphone replication, and a 7” digital cluster.
The enhanced tech suite includes practical, lifestyle-friendly additions such as hands-free key card access, remote engine start, belongings reminder, and take-a-break reminders.
No compromise on safety
Safety is strengthened too, with up to 21 standard safety features across the line-up, including ABS with EBD, TPMS, ISOFIX, ESC, TCS and six airbags.
Standard on the Techno is Tri-Octa LED headlamps, dual-tone interior, wireless smartphone replication, and Smart Access Card.
The Iconic gets ventilated leatherette seats, auto AC, Multiview camera, drive modes, 16” Evasion diamond-cut alloys, and auto lights/wipers.
Both trims have an 8” touchscreen with smartphone replication, reverse camera, and rear AC vents.
What is the verdict?
Drive is pretty much as you would expect, too. The steering is seriously light on the open road, but this means it is easy to manoeuvre around town. The suspension is also quite compliant for what is still very much an entry-level car in terms of pricing.
Pricing
Kiger 1.0 Turbo Techno R278 999
Kiger 1.0 Turbo Iconic R298 999
Kiger 1.0 Turbo Iconic R329 999
Pricing includes five-year/150 000km mechanical warranty and a two-year/30 000km service plan.
