Renault will showcase a new sub 4 meter SUV concept, which will be based on the Kwid / Triber platform. It is expected to be called Kiger upon launch.
Renault India was one of the few OEMs which posted growth in sales figures in CY 2019 vs CY 2018. Helping them with sales, was the new Triber, a sub 4 meter 7 seater UV. In order to continue the momentum, Renault will be counting upon another sub 4 meter car, this time an SUV.
Ahead of the Auto Expo, Renault has teased what appears to be the front DRL setup of the HBC (internal codename). Till now, the sub 4 metre SUV has been spotted on test multiple times however always with heavy camouflage. It is scheduled to make its global debut next month at the 2020 Auto Expo in Greater Noida.
The DRL setup looks very similar to the one found on Renault Symbioz demo vehicle which had made its debut back in December 2017. There is a possibility that the teaser could mean that Renault might want to display the Symbioz concept at the Auto Expo, but if you were to ask us, a display around 2 years since its global debut doesn’t quite add up.
Instead, we would like to believe that Renault has teased the front LED DRL setup of the HBC SUV, which according to rumors will be baptized as Renault Kiger. The Kiger will be based on the CMF-A+ platform which it will be sharing with the Triber MPV.
Renault will be using a BS-6 compliant version of its HR10 3-cylinder 1 litre turbocharged petrol motor. It is offered in international markets in two states of tune, direct injection version dishes out 117 PS/170 Nm while the one without direct injection churns out 100PS/160 Nm. Looking at the pricing structure and current emission norms, there will be no diesel engine on offer. As far as transmission options are concerned, customers will most likely have an option to choose between a 5-speed MT or AMT.
Post launch, the HBC will be competing in a highly congested segment which has heavyweights like Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, 2020 Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300 and Ford Ecosport. Additional competition will come in from the upcoming sub 4 metre SUVs from both Kia and Nissan. Expect Renault to keep the pricing aggressive, and we can expect the HBC range to be priced around the INR 7-10 lakh mark.
