It was in November last year when Renault took the wraps off the Kiger Concept. While looked striking from just about every angle, the real kicker was the carmaker claim. It said that production-ready specimen would have about 80 per cent similarity in design. That was a bold claim. And, we won’t have to wait too long for it check out. Why? Because on January 28, 2021, the French automaker will unveil the production-spec Kiger.

So, apart from that “about 80 per cent” thing, what else do we know? The Kiger will cater to the subcompact SUV space. In marketing terms – it’ll land in the B-SUV segment. Underpinned by the CMFA+ platform, which also spawns the Triber, the Kiger will introduce a new turbocharged petrol engine in the Renault India family. In all likelihood, it will be a 1.0-litre, three-pot motor producing around 100hp. Other specifics could include a ground clearance of 210mm, the option of a CVT and 16-inch alloy wheels. And no, Renault won’t offer the car in question with a diesel engine.

Since it will serve a bustling market, the Kiger will have to play big on toys. There’s no confirmed list yet. But, expect it to offer stuff like an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, LED DRLs, wireless mobile charger, ambient lighting and push-button start/stop. As per Renault, the Kiger will “revolutionise the B-SUV segment in India”.

Renault’s corporate design teams in France and India collaborated to create the Kiger. The upcoming SUV will become Groupe Renault’s third global car to be launched in India first, followed by other markets. And when it does, the Kiger will compete against its step-sibling – the Nissan Magnite – and rival the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV300, Honda WR-V, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and the Toyota Urban Cruiser. Depending on how aggressively Renault prices it, the Kiger could also take a swing at sub-4 metre hatchbacks and sedans as well.