Here it is! The production-ready version of the Renault Kiger. What’s the first word that comes to mind when you look at the Renault Kiger? One that sums it up quite accurately is funky. Underpinned by the popular CMFA+ platform, which also spawns the Triber, the Kiger is Renault’s contender to fight the sub-4 metre SUV game in India. Like the Kwid and Triber, the Kiger will first go on sale in India before anywhere else in the world.

Looks are always subjective. Some might feel the Kiger looks like a bloated Kwid, while others might get hung up on it not having a traditional SUV stance. You know what? It doesn’t matter. The simple matter of the fact is the Kiger will turn heads. Period. The coupe-ish silhouette works well with eye-catchy features like functional roof rails, 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, chrome-rich grille and dual-tone paint job. The rear skid plate, 205mm of ground clearance, C-shaped taillamps and protective cladding all around add to the overall funkiness quotient.

Indoors, the Kiger flaunts an all-black theme coupled to a few contrasting trim elements. Those, in all probability, will match the colour of the car. The dashboard design isn’t too busy, which is a good thing. Riding like a king in the centre is an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and comes coupled to an 8-speaker sound system. Accompanying the multifunction steering wheel is a digital instrument cluster that incorporates a 7.0-inch, reconfigurable TFT display.

Other features which will be on offer include push-button start/stop, wireless mobile charger, a PM2.5 air purifier, multiple drive modes (Normal, Eco, Sport), LED-powered headlamps and DRLs and a fast-charging USB port. Renault says the Kiger offers 405 litres of luggage space, which can be expanded to 879 litres by folding the rear seats.

Renault will offer the Kiger with two engine and three transmission options. The range will start with a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine which produces 71bhp/96Nm. Those who want a more grunt can settle for the turbocharged version of the same motor. That offers 99bhp/160Nm. As standard, both powerplants will come mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Customers seeking a two-pedal setup will get the option of a 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) with the naturally-aspirated engine. On the other hand, the turbo-petrol mill has a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) option.

The Kiger will be available in six colour options – Cool White, Planet Grey, Moonlight Grey, Mahogany Brown, Caspian Blue and Radiant Red with black roof. The two-tone finish will be offered on all trim levels. Expect Renault to start accepting bookings for the Kiger soon. As for the launch, that should happen sometime next month. The Renault Kiger will compete against a long list of models – Nissan Magnite, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV300, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Toyota Urban Cruiser and the Honda WR-V.