Autogos

Category: Car Brands

  • Renault Kiger Review

    Renault Kiger Review

    Renault Kiger – Comparison with Magnite

    The top version of Renault Kiger is priced from Rs 5.4 lakh to Rs 9.5 lakh which means that it is the most affordable sub compact SUV at a price equal to that of Magnite.
    Renault Kiger Review

    Renault Kiger:

    Renault is well known for its Duster and Kwid. It is well-known for presenting cars at reasonable prices which are, at the same time, spacious and practical. Renault came back with Triber and launched it 2 years ago which was built to fit to an aggressive priced compact MPV. Again, Renault is challenging the same with the Kiger. It has the same CMFA platform like the Triber and offers the buyers a sub compact SUV at affordable price. But should you consider Kiger just because the price is affordable? Go through our review to know more!

    Renault Kiger Exteriors

    The Kiger is compact at 3991mm and is the shortest sub compact SUV. However it has a very aggressive look. The front end has the DRL/headlamp structure like the Kwid but it has a bigger grille with slimmer DRLs. The grille gets chrome elements to have a premium look. It resembles the Kwid but the Kiger looks more attractive with the best front angle.

    The roof-rails and cladding on the side and front with flared wheel-arches adds to its attractive look. There is also an aluminium finish skid plate. The top-model Kiger is furnished with 16-inch diamond cut alloys. The roof design is less boxy than other sub-compact SUVs. It is very attractive because of the youthful colours mixed with black to get a dual-tone effect. There are 5 colour options namely Ice Cool White, Moonlight Grey, Planet Grey, Mahogany Brown, Radiant Red, Caspian Blue, with Mystery Black Roof.

    Renault Kiger Interiors

    The Renault Kiger cabin has a premium look when compared to Duster and Triber. It has more gloss black elements. The steering wheel has a better finish and quality The lower half of the dashboard might have been better. Otherwise, it has the best cabin and a more premium look than the Brezza. The steering wheel is a 3-spoke unit which has buttons and there is a fully digital 7-inch TFT cluster. With a basic lay-out, the cluster has very nice icons/graphics.

    The other main screen is the 8-inch touch screen situated on the centre console which has the same look as the Triber with a push button start button below. But the Kiger touch screen has a better look even though with less menus and a simple screen. There is a round knob for drive modes and a storage space. The door pockets are big and the glove box is big with a 10.25 litres capacity.

    Kiger has is very spacious and is worth the value for money. The front seats are thinner but quite comfortable. The USP is the rear seating which has a near flat floor with a width to accommodate three people without much discomfort. The legroom is better than other subcompact SUVs and the headroom also is nice. The cushioning of the seats could have been better though. The boot has 405litre capacity.

    Renault Kiger Features

    There is an 8-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless charging and multi connect Bluetooth with 5 devices. A reverse camera with parking sensors is also available. Other features are Auditorium 3D Sound system, a hands-free access card-like key, climate control, back lit steering controls, perfect ambient lighting, rear ac vents, powered mirrors, a clean air filter, four airbags and many other advanced features. No sunroof or cruise control is present.

    Driving Experience
    The Kiger is offered with standard 1.0 petrol with a manual and AMT gearbox, but in the higher range, you get a 1.0 turbo petrol with a 6-speed manual and CVT automatic. The engine gives 100PS and 160Nm with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Kiger is fairly silent when started and the clutch/gearbox is light. It is also easy to ride and the light steering also helps.

    The turbo petrol is good because of the decent amount of torque which gives you a relaxed feeling when you drive. Use the 3rd gear on the narrow Goan roads and it does not require many shifts to run the engine smoothly. Some vibrations are felt and the engine gets a bit noisy. The Sport mode gives the car a good throttle response that is the most loved aspect of Kiger. The normal mode is good. The eco mode can be used to save fuel.

    Renault Kiger Mileage

    By using Eco mode, nearly 20kmpl official figure could be possible. Otherwise, it is 10-13kmpl. The Kiger is lovable at corners as it is light plus agile and also has a slight firm suspension. It does not float in the corners and has good high speed stability. It has 205mm ground clearance.

    Rivals of Kiger

    Nissan Magnite is the obviously the rival! Magnite is bigger but Kiger has is good in terms of design cabin and also the inclusion of an AMT. The Magnite is a traditional SUV. The Sonet and Venue are very costly and Brezza is also very expensive, starting at Rs 7.4 lakh to Rs 11.2 lakh but do not have the advanced features that Kiger offers. Kiger is the best option for both styling and price.

    Renault Kiger Verdict

    *The Kiger is priced from Rs 5.4 lakh to Rs 9.5 lakh for the top-end version.
    *It is the most affordable sub compact SUV
    *The Kiger is very attractive and also spacious with excellent features.
    *The turbo petrol very suitable for an SUV buyer.

    If you want a subcompact SUV without spending too much, then Renault Kiger should be your choice. Ride it home today!

  • Hyundai Alcazar Review – First Drive Experience

    Hyundai Alcazar Review – First Drive Experience

    The new Hyundai Alcazar is based on the megahit Hyundai Creta but differs from it in many ways including size, space, features and seating capacity. Read our Hyundai Alcazar review to know about all those details.

    Hyundai Alcazar review
    Hyundai Alcazar Important Features

    1. Hyundai Alcazar is a 3-row 6/7 seat imitative of the Hyundai Creta.
    2. Engine options include 2.0-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel with both transmission options namely, manual and automatic.
    3. The price(ex-showroom) of Hyundai Alcazar ranges from Rs 16.30 lakh to Rs 20 lakh.

    SUV Market Trend

    Over the last few years, the growth in the SUV market has gone high and hence, the competition between the companies is also high. All companies have added new features to their mid-sized SUV portfolios. One thing that they all have done is that they have converted their SUVs from 2-row seating to 3-row seating vehicles with increased seating capacities from 5 to 6 and/or 7.

    Hyundai Alcazar 7-seater

    If Hyuandai Alcazar had wheelbase similar to Hyundai Creta, it would have been difficult to accommodate the third row and there would be no adequate space for knee room for the people occupying the middle row of seats. Therefore Hyundai extended the wheelbase on the Alcazar giving it the longest wheelbase. The length of Hyundai Alcazar at 4,500mm is 200mm longer than Hyundai Creta. The Creta has a sloping roofline while the Alcazar does not have. So, there is adequate headroom for passengers in the third row of Alcazar as well.

    Hyundai Alcazar: Design and Style

    Even though the Alcazar is based on Creta, the similarities are just at the front end. The grille, the front bumper and the fog lamp surrounds differ although they look the same in shape and size. Skid plates are available in the front and the rear. The side profile demonstrates that Alcazar is just another SUV with three rows of seats but more spacious and completely different from the previous generation SUVs.

    Many vehicles keep the sides same as before when converting them from 2-row to 3-row seating but in Alcazar, the height of the front door has been increased and design of the rear door has also been changed. An additional window for the third row of seats is also provided. The Creta is sleek and sporty but Alcazar is big and can carry more people!

    At the rear, fenders are provided. The rear is totally different. There are LED tail lamps which give a stunningly good look. The wheels of Alcazar are of 18in as opposed to 17in wheels of Creta. The larger wheels suit the increased size of the vehicle.

    Hyundai Alcazar: Interiors

    Hyundai has given a Cognac brown interior trim which offers a premium look. Especially it looks very good at night with one of the 64 ambient light colours. The layout is similar to Creta but with some changes and a lot of additions in terms of new features and systems. The infotainment system screen is same. The instrument panel is updated to 10.25in screen which is customizable with two digital dials allowing displays for the blind view camera monitors for use of the indicator. The rearview mirrors have a camera on either side which help generate the surround-view which could be seen on the central infotainment screen and also the front and rear views.

    The front seats are comfortable but the real unique selling proposition of the Alcazar is from the second row of seats which are available as either 2 captain seats or as 3-seater bench. The backs of the front seats have a fold-out table with a cup holder as well as a slot for tablets for the rear seat passengers to use. Wireless phone chargers are available at the front and the rear centre arm-rests.

    It is easy to get in to the third row of Hyundai Alcazar. The second row is one touch tip and tumble which can be tumbled with one motion itself. Getting in is easy with the help of side step and there is additional space behind the floor console between the two captain’s seats. The second row is not so comfortable for adults but is good for children or short people.

    Hyundai Alcazar Engine Options

    The Alcazar has two engine options. The first option is 2-litre Nu engine, the 3rd generation version of petrol engine used on Tucson and Elantra with 159bhp of max power and 191Nm of peak torque. Hyundai assures certified fuel efficiency of over 14kmpl for both the automatic and manual 6-speed transmissions. The diesel engine is the same 1.5-litre CRDipowerplant used on Creta and many other cars in the Hyundai range. The max power and peak torque are the same as on Creta at 115bhp and 250Nm, but the gearboxes provide good acceleration, driveability and fuel efficiency. It has a certified fuel economy of 20.4kmpl for manual and 18.1kmpl for automatic transmissions.

    Hyundai Alcazar Driving Experience

    The driving gives you a smooth experience. The engine gets a little rough at the top end but as it comparatively has a large displacement, torque is enough with no need to rev the engine too hard. Without a full load of passengers with just one person on board, we can drive the petro engine Alcazar well, although you cannot compare the ride with a ride in Creta which is more sport. But for slow and steady driving, Alcazar is just fine. As it has large wheels with low profile tyres, the suspension has to work a bit hard on bad roads as there is minimal bump absorption from the tyres.

    Hyundai Alcazar: Connected Car upgraded
    Hyundai Alcazar has the most advanced Blue Link system and additional voice commands and functions. It can perform things like opening and closing the sun-roof and rolling down the side glasses. With air map update, it will greet you on each of your new journeys.

    Hyundai Alcazar: Verdict
    The Alcazar fits in between the Creta and the Tucson with respect to pricing. Although it has 3 rows of seats, it is not a full-sized SUV. Alcazar has advanced features and assistance systems and good interiors. It is not a 6/7 seater but a 4/5+2 seater. If it fits your bill, then the Alcazar would be the best vehicle for you to drive home!

    Hyundai Alcazar review: Specifications
    Variant: Hyundai Alcazar 2.0-litre petrol AT
    Engine: 1,999cc four-cyl NA petrol
    Power: 159bhp@6,500rpm
    Max torque: 191Nm@4,500rpm
    Gearbox: 6-speed torque converter
    LxWxH: 4,500×1,790×1,675mm
    Wheelbase: 2,760mm
    Boot space: 180 litres (all rows up)

    Hyundai Alcazar Price
    Hyundai Alcazar is priced between Rs 16.3 and 20 Lakh (ex-showroom in India).