The Renault Kiger has always been pitched as a sub-4 meter compact SUV with big ambitions. Not just that, at its price tag the model also cuts several popular hatchbacks in India. The Kiger’s sales may not have lived up to Renault’s expectations, but that could soon change with the recent update. The car hasn’t transformed radically, but it has improved in the areas that matter. We got behind the wheel of the updated Kiger on a curated test track, and here are our first impressions.
2025 Renault Kiger: Design
At first glance, the new Renault Kiger now manages to leave quite an impression. I’d say the Kiger now looks closer to cars from a segment above, and credit goes to Renault’s design team for pulling that off.
The silhouette hasn’t changed much, but the tweaks make it look sharper and more in tune with what young urban buyers like. The front fascia, however, has been revamped completely for good. There are sleek DRLs flanking the new grille which itself looks quite premium and modern. Below that, there’s a tri-pod LED setup, and the bolder bumper giving it a muscular face. There are also glossy black accents here and there to give it a sophisticated, premium touch. From the side, the chunky cladding, diamond-cut alloys, and floating roof effect complete the sporty crossover look. Rear hasn’t changed much save for a few changes such as the updated bumper and clear cluster for the C-shaped LED tail lamps. But it goes well in sync with the update. Overall, the design will be one of the strongest points for the model in my opinion, which wasn’t the case before.
2025 Renault Kiger: Cabin experience
From the inside, the cabin feels familiar but more premium than before. The dashboard layout is neat, and Renault has tried to maximise space: which shows in the good amount of headroom and decent legroom for both rows. The seats are well-cushioned, though a bit more under-thigh support at the rear would have been welcome on longer drives. For reference, I’m 5’10 and was comfortably seated in the rear. Another thing that impressed us was the neat, dual-tone upholstery that looks quite premium especially with the contrasting neon stitching.
Feature-wise, you get an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch digital driver display, automatic climate control, push-button start, wireless charging, and an Arkamys 3D sound system with 6 speakers. Renault has also added small but useful touches to better storage options. Safety kit includes six airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
If there is one area that could have been better it is the materials used, especially around the central console, along with the quality of the infotainment screen. The system is easy to use and well laid out, but the display itself lacks crispness and could use an upgrade. That said, it is not really a deal breaker.
2025 Renault Kiger: Engine performance and drive experience
As mentioned earlier, we drove the Kiger in a controlled environment designed to test its abilities in areas like hill-hold, handling, agility, acceleration and stability. So, these are first impressions. A full verdict will have to wait until we drive it out on public roads and in traffic.
That said, our test car was the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a CVT. It produces 100 hp and 152 Nm of torque. There is also a manual version, and alongside the turbo, Renault continues to offer a NA petrol unit that makes 72 hp and 96 Nm.The turbo-petrol is easily the pick of the range if you enjoy driving. It feels lively in a straight line and holds its own at higher speeds. The CVT works well for daily use, though it isn’t the most responsive when you ask for quick acceleration, and yes, you also do notice some turbo lag. Still, the engine’s peppy nature, combined with steering that feels direct and offers decent feedback, makes it engaging. There are three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport; and you don’t need to guess where it delivers the best. What also stands out is refinement. NVH levels are better controlled than before, and the turbo-petrol feels impressively smooth when cruising.
At highway speeds, the Kiger feels planted and stable even in triple digits, which inspires confidence. Besides, the light steering makes it easy to manoeuvre, while it gains enough weight as speeds rise. That said, it may not be the sharpest handler in the segment, but it offers a good balance, making it enjoyable and easy to live with for everyday use.
2025 Renault Kiger: Verdict
The Renault Kiger has always stood out for offering SUV appeal at hatchback money, and that continues to be its biggest strength. With prices starting at Rs 6.29 lakh, it undercuts several premium hatchbacks while giving buyers the higher ground clearance, sharper design, and SUV stance they desire. The 2025 update hasn’t changed the formula drastically, but Renault has worked on the finer details: sharper styling, a more premium cabin feel, added features, and improved refinement. Overall, the Kiger is now a more complete package. For buyers looking at an affordable compact SUV that looks stylish, packs in good features, and drives well enough, the Renault Kiger can now be called a value-rich contender in a segment that’s only getting tougher.
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