WHY THIS?
Renault has added a turbocharged engine to the facelifted Kiger range, giving it 40% more power to go with updated looks and more features. The result is a decent package for a compact crossover/SUV: relatively affordable, good looking, has a peppy little engine and is very practical. It’s no wonder that the Kiger sells well, and the turbo will win over some extra buyers.
OUTSIDE
Renault deserves some credit here. There are so many SUVs or hatches that look like SUVs on the market now: you can’t sell cars and not have one on your catalogue. And yet the little Kiger stands out from the crowd thanks to being two things: very stylish and easily identifiable.
The split headlights, chiselled bonnet and chunky cladding give it genuine character, and it has just enough visual attitude to make you glance back after parking it.
It's also refreshingly compact. You don't need to perform a three-point turn every time you enter a shopping centre parking bay, which is becoming something of a novelty these days as cars grow with every iteration (especially since they’re almost all SUVs these days).
INSIDE
The driving position is spot on for everyday use, with excellent visibility in traffic and controls that are easy to reach. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto quickly become the stars of the show, while the 8-inch infotainment system is straightforward to use. Wireless charging is also a welcome addition. The Turbo also gets rear air vents, keyless entry and start and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Space is another pleasant surprise. Four adults fit comfortably, and the 405-litre boot is one of the bigger ones in this class, making weekend luggage or the monthly grocery run an easy task.
THE DRIVE
The Kiger is not based directly on the Kwid, but uses an evolution of the same platform that is longer, wider and, importantly, stiffer. And because it’s not just a Kwid with a different body, it feels more refined and stable.
The little 1.0-litre turbo is a willing accomplice. On paper, 74kW doesn't sound like much, but the torque (152Nm on the manual and 160Nm on the CVT) is what really makes the difference. Around town it feels alert, slipping through gaps in traffic with far more enthusiasm than the numbers suggest.
The suspension is arguably the Kiger's strength. South African roads are an unforgiving test of any suspension setup, yet the Renault shrugs off patched tar, potholes and speed humps with surprising maturity.
The downside? Ask too much of the engine at highway speeds and it reminds you that there's only a litre of displacement under the bonnet.
THE BEST BIT
The turbocharged engine is a gem around town, while the suspension is impressively composed for a compact SUV at this price.
THE WORST BIT
Some of the interior plastics feel a little budget, particularly on the parts you interact with most.
FINAL WORD
The Kiger feels like it was designed by people who understand how South Africans actually use cars. It parks easily, sips fuel, rides well and carries more luggage than its footprint suggests.
If you're chasing badge prestige or a soft-touch dashboard, look elsewhere. If you're after an honest, likeable compact SUV that simply gets on with the job while looking a bit more interesting than most of its rivals, the Kiger deserves to be much higher on your shortlist.
GO GET IT
The Renault Kiger Turbo starts from R278 999 (at the time of writing). Pricing includes a 2-year/30 000 km service plan and a 5-year/150 000 km warranty. Visit Renault.co.za for the latest pricing and specifications.
FAQ: Is the turbo worth the extra money?
If you spend most of your time in town, the naturally aspirated Kiger will do the job. But the turbo transforms the driving experience. It pulls away more confidently, overtakes with less fuss and feels far more relaxed when the car is fully loaded.
FAQ: How economical is it?
Very respectable. Expect around 6.0–6.5L/100km in everyday mixed driving, depending on traffic and your right foot.
FAQ: Is it big enough for a family?
For a young family, absolutely. There's plenty of space for four adults, rear-seat passengers aren't cramped, and the 405-litre boot easily handles school bags, groceries or luggage for a weekend away.
FAQ: What's it like on South African roads?
This is one of the Kiger's strongest points. The suspension copes exceptionally well with potholes, patched tar and speed humps, while the generous ground clearance of 205mm means you're less likely to scrape the underside than in many hatchbacks.
FAQ: What are its biggest rivals?
The Nissan Magnite is the obvious competitor, sharing much of its engineering. It also faces stiff competition from the Suzuki Fronx, Toyota Starlet Cross, Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue, each offering a slightly different blend of value, refinement and equipment.
FAQ: Who should buy one?
Someone who wants SUV looks, sensible running costs and an easy-to-live-with daily commuter without stretching the budget. If outright performance or a premium-feeling cabin tops your wish list, you'll probably need to shop a class above.
