Renault Kiger vs Nissan Magnite: Battle of the Newbies

In the last few months, the compact SUV segment has become all the rage amongst the people. The imposing road presence and soft off-roading capabilities have garnered a lot of attention, with compact SUVs becoming as ubiquitous as hatchbacks. The newest entrants in this segment are the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger, which have been launched within months of each other.

Both SUVs have distinctive muscular looks, with Renault Kiger being more photogenic of the two. Nissan Magnite on the other hand lives up to being big, bold, and beautiful. The grille adding a grin to the front, dagger-like headlamps, and a full beltline chrome on the side windows reinforce its bold character. Renault Kiger has a calm demeanour with an athletic look combined with ice-cube-shaped LED headlamps making it stand out from the rest. Considering that both these compact SUVs start at Rs. 5.4 lakhs, it is worth comparing the two to see which is better for you.

Dimensions, Boot and Seating

Compact SUVs are preferred for their exterior road presence and oceans of interior space. These cars appeal to families as well as young professionals as they cater to everybody’s needs. Specifications like size, seating capacity, and budget-friendly pricing influence Indian buyers a lot. Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger have done their homework well and have come out with the most anticipated compact SUVs of 2021 so far.

Upon comparing sizes, Renault Kiger is smaller in length than Nissan Magnite. But don’t let that fool you, Renault Kiger is loaded with space and comfort. At the rear, Renault Kiger makes sure that there is floor space in the middle with a flat central tunnel, which makes it comfortable for the third passenger.

The boot space in Renault Kiger is an enormous 405 litres which can be expanded to 879 litres upon folding the second-row seats. With ample space in the boot and comfort for the third passenger in the rear, Renault Kiger is a better bet of the two. However, Nissan Magnite doesn’t lag far behind.

Engine and Performance

An adventurous and sporty look combined with capable power is what appeals the most when it comes to compact SUVs. While many owners prefer manual transmission for the thrill of changing gears and the feel of control it gives, many city dwellers are fast catching up on the automatic options in SUVs. Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger compact SUVs are available in both manual and automatic transmissions but only in petrol.

Taken from the above facts, both cars look almost equal in comparison. There’s not much here to differentiate between the two cars. Both offer a 5-speed manual and CVT automatic transmission, which combined with the 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine provides capable performance for city driving. Where the two are differentiated is the option of a 5-speed AMT transmission on all variants of the Renault Kiger.

While both the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite are equally matched, the Kiger provides a better proposition if you are keen on an automatic transmission at a lower budget. In all other aspects, the Magnite will match the Kiger.

Interior Features and Comfort

Looks and comfort are important factors when it comes to interior features. If you’re spending long hours in your commute, the interior space should be as comfortable as possible to make the drive pleasant. Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger know their audience very well and have ensured that their cars are complete with all the features that could offer great value for the money.

Both contenders have almost similar features to offer but Nissan Magnite stands out with the cruise control, available on the high-end models. The trend continues with the interior design, where the Magnite offers a more angular and sporty aesthetic compared to the more utilitarian interiors of the Renault Kiger. If style is what you’re going for, the Nissan Magnite is sure to give you a better passenger experience.

Safety Features

Safety is something that speaks oodles about the build quality of a car and its reliability. Both Nissan and Renault have the intention of making a mark in the Indian market by delivering cars that are safe and trustworthy.

Here too Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger have almost similar offerings. The option of two additional side airbags on the Kiger will provide more safety on the road. However, the Magnite is equipped with more essential safety equipment like the Vehicle Dynamic Control and traction control which will provide more stability. The addition of a 4-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating adds further credentials for the Magnite.

Pricing

Pricing is one area where the Renault and Nissan have undercut their competition. With such aggressive pricing, both these compact SUVs are sure to leave a mark in the Indian market.

On paper, both these cars are priced exactly the same. The value proposition comes down to what is more important to you. If you require an automatic at a lower price, the Renault Kiger will be the one to own. On the other hand, should you prefer more style, the Magnite will surely win your heart.

Conclusion

Nissan Magnite is a better bang for your buck as it comes loaded with a host of features and reliable Japanese engineering. The Renault Kiger is sure to appeal to those looking for a smaller Duster while the Nissan Magnite will appeal to a more tech-savvy audience. Conclusively, both Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger will make a mark in the Indian car market and have laid the blueprint for more budget friendly feature-laden cars.

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FAQ – Renault Kiger vs Nissan Magnite

Will there be a diesel option for Renault Kiger or Nissan Magnite?

As of now, both the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite are only offered in naturally aspirated petrol and turbo petrol variants.

Which one is a better buy? Nissan Magnite or Renault Kiger?

It all depends on perspective. If you want more features go for the Nissan Magnite. But if you are looking for something unique then the Renault Kiger is for you. The engine in both vehicles is the same, so performance will be similar as well.

When will the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger come to the market?

Nissan Magnite was launched on the 2nd of December 2020, while the Renault Kiger was launched quite recently on 15 February 2021. Both the vehicles have to be booked in advance.

Are the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite safe?

Both the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite are safe cars. Dual airbags and ABS with EBD is standard across the range. A 4-star ASEAN NCAP rating for the Magnite will provide additional peace of mind.