Renault Kiger (HBC) compact SUV: What to expect?
To replicate the Triber's success, Renault is now planning to launch a sub-4m compact SUV in India based on the Triber's underpinnings. Likely to be called the Kiger (codenamed HBC), it is expected to arrive sometime during the festive season this year.
By Divyank K. Bansal
Renault's sub-4m compact SUV, likely to be called the Kiger, is nearing its launch this festive season. It's based on the same platform as the Triber. Here's what we know about it so far.
The Renault Triber, ever since its launch last year, has been a successful model for Renault in India. A surprisingly spacious cabin, with seating for seven, despite its sub-4m length, has really helped the Triber become a success. So, to replicate the Triber's success, Renault is now planning to launch a sub-4m compact SUV in India based on the Triber's underpinnings. Likely to be called the Kiger (codenamed HBC), it is expected to arrive sometime during the festive season this year. Although Nissan's new compact SUV, the Magnite, was due to arrive first, a recently-announced delay in its launch has paved the way for Kiger's early launch.
As mentioned above, expect the Triber & Kiger to share a lot of their components, since they're also based on the same CMF-A platform. In fact, reports suggest that the Kiger will get the exact same engine and transmission options as the Triber. That means the Kiger could be powered by the same 71bhp / 96Nm 1.0-litre 3-cylinder motor mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox or an EASY-R AMT unit.
However, the Kiger is likely to go on sale as a slightly more premium offering than the Triber. Therefore, expect more standard equipment on the Kiger, as well as the potential arrival of a new 99bhp 1.0-litre turbo petrol unit that could be offered with a CVT automatic gearbox. If this new engine arrives with the Kiger, Renault is most likely to introduce it on the Triber as well.
In terms of competition, the Renault Kiger will enter a highly-competitive space to take on the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV300, and Tata Nexon. Soon, the Kia Sonet and, next year, the Nissan Magnite will also enter the same league.
Read more:
Renault Triber Long Term Report: June 2020
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