Renault Kiger 1.0 Techno

With eye-catching styling and a carefully reconsidered specification list, is there enough appeal in the updated Renault Kiger to negate the relative powertrain shortcomings?

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Introduced in 2021 as the replacement for the popular Sandero, Renault's Indian-built Kiger announced itself with plucky, head-turning exterior styling, a compelling standard specification list and a useful 205 mm ground clearance. Assembled in Chennai on a (CMF-A+) platform shared with its Kwid and Triber siblings, as well as the Nissan Magnite, the popularity of the Kiger package in South Africa (securing 28 000 sales in just four years), despite initial concerns about inherent safety and the Reef-altitude performance of small-capacity naturally aspirated engines, highlights this market's desire for affordable motoring that at least looks good when parked in the driveway.

To be fair, even before the Kiger's recent update – which offers more striking styling, the brand's latest badging and a rear wing that wouldn't look out of place on a hot hatch – Renault's budget crossover had achieved a four-star Global NCAP rating. It also comes with key safety features such as ESP, traction control, Isofix child seat anchor points, a tyre pressure monitoring system and a total of six airbags.