We seldom cover concept cars, simply because the finished product rarely looks as striking. A classic case in point is the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso. Match that with the Future S Concept, and you’d know what we’re on about! But, with the Renault Kiger Concept, the development part of things will be a bit different. You see the French automaker claims that the production-ready specimen will have about 80 per cent similarity in design.

What is Kiger?

It is essentially Renault’s answer to all other subcompact SUVs in the Indian market. That means it will have a sub-4 metre length. The Concept car shows how the company has approached the overall design of the vehicle. It isn’t a boxy affair. In fact, it has a coupe-like silhouette. After the Kwid and Triber, the Kiger will become the third product from Renault to make a debut in India before heading out to other markets across the globe.

What do you mean “about 80 per cent”?

As mentioned earlier, a production-ready car seldom carries any design element from its concept form. In Kiger’s case, there is some stuff on the show car which we won’t see in the finished product. For instance, the combination of heavily-grooved tyres wrapped around 19-inch wheels looks excellent but won’t make for a good business case. Similarly, the neon lights within the headlamp enclosures will be given a miss. What you can expect is a ground clearance of 210mm and alloys with a diameter of 16 inches.

Do we have any confirmed facts?

Absolutely. The Kiger has the same platform as the Renault Triber. In the company’s world, the platform carries the CMFA+ tag. That means it will share quite a bit with the subcompact MPV, including the powertrain. Renault says that the Kiger will come with a new turbo-petrol engine. That will be the same 1.0-litre, three-cylinder motor which also does duty in the Nissan Magnite. In fact, the Kiger should get the same engine-transmission combinations as the Magnite.

When will it launch?

Expect that to happen sometime early next year. Renault aims to carve itself a slice of pie from the subcompact SUV space. That, as per the company, accounts for more than 50 per cent of the total car sales in India.

Rivals?

Besides locking horns with the step-sibling – the Nissan Magnite – the Kiger will also compete with the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV300, Tata Nexon, Honda WR-V and the Toyota Urban Cruiser. Expect the Renault to undercut all its rivals in terms of price.