Even though the country was under a strict lockdown for several weeks last year, Renault India still managed to keep the productivity clock running. The carmaker added more than 120 new sales and service touchpoints in 2020. In December alone, it expanded the network by 40 new sales and service outlets. They’ve come up in seventeen states – Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

As things stand, the Indian arm of the French carmaker has over 500 sales and more than 475 sales and service facilities across the country. The total count also includes 200+ Workshop On Wheels locations. The newly inaugurated dealership facilities have been designed according to the RenaultStore concept. The company has timed the expansion with the imminent unveiling of its fourth product for India – the Kiger. The world premiere will take place on January 28, 2021.

The Kiger will fall in a segment that accounts for more than 50 per cent of the total industry sales. Yes, it will be a sub-4 metre SUV. Besides an attractive design, the Kiger will also have a new turbocharged petrol engine. The 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder unit is expected to produce around 100 horsepower and close to 160Nm of torque. The SUV will offer the choice of both a 5-speed manual and a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Expect it to boast 210mm of ground clearance, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless mobile charger and push-button start/stop.

As you’d expect, the Renault Kiger will have a long list of direct rivals. Everything from the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, to the Ford EcoSport, Tata Nexon and the Mahindra XUV300 will make life difficult for the newcomer. And, let’s not forget about the competitively-priced Nissan Magnite. It is not only a fierce competitor but also a step-sibling to the Renault Kiger.