The Indian car market has witnessed a remarkable shift over the past two years. With rising concerns over fuel efficiency, stricter emission norms, and the affordability gap between petrol and diesel vehicles, petrol-powered cars are making a comeback. According to Economic Times, petrol cars are leading sales again in India, accounting for a majority of new registrations in 2023.
This surge has given a significant boost to compact SUVs like the Renault Kiger. For budget-conscious buyers looking for a car that delivers both mileage and features, the Kiger fits right in.
Why Petrol Cars Are Back in Demand
There are three key reasons behind the renewed preference for petrol cars in India:
- Lower upfront cost – Petrol cars are cheaper than diesel counterparts, making them more attractive for first-time buyers.
- Improved fuel efficiency – Modern engines, like Renault’s 1.0-litre petrol unit, are optimized to deliver better mileage without sacrificing performance.
- Lower maintenance cost – Petrol engines generally have lower servicing expenses than diesel engines.
The Renault Kiger is a textbook example of this balance. Its 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine offers the power required for highway runs while maintaining efficiency in city traffic. This makes it appealing for families, young professionals, and urban commuters.
Kiger’s Position in the Segment
The compact SUV space in India is highly competitive, with strong players like the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, and Maruti Suzuki Brezza. However, the Renault Kiger has carved a niche for itself with its value-for-money proposition.
- Transmission options: Available in both manual and automatic (AMT + CVT), it caters to different driver preferences.
- Mileage: The Kiger offers an impressive fuel economy of around 20 km/l, which stands strong against rivals.
- Driving experience: The Kiger strikes a balance between responsive city driving and stable highway performance, which adds to its versatility.
While cars like the Venue and Brezza may dominate on brand recall, the Kiger attracts buyers who want affordability without giving up on design, safety, or features.
Affordability and Features
The biggest strength of the Renault Kiger lies in its pricing strategy. With a starting price below ₹7 lakh, it is one of the most affordable compact SUVs in India. Despite this, Renault hasn’t cut corners on features. Some highlights include:
- Infotainment & connectivity: 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.
- Comfort & convenience: Automatic climate control, push-button start/stop, and ample boot space (405 litres).
- Safety package: Dual and side airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX child-seat anchors.
This combination of affordability and premium features has positioned the Renault Kiger as an attractive option for both first-time SUV buyers and those looking to upgrade from hatchbacks.
As petrol cars continue to dominate the Indian market, Renault has found the perfect opportunity to strengthen its presence with the Kiger. Affordable, stylish, feature-packed, and fuel-efficient, the Kiger is fast emerging as a top contender in the compact SUV space. For buyers seeking a balance of cost and comfort, it makes a compelling case against its rivals.
To know more about Renault Kiger read our blog.
