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IIE DIGITAL DESK : Renault's popular sub-4m SUV, the Kiger, has received its sporty mid-cycle facelift for 2025, combining refreshed aesthetics and upgraded safety with a well-structured powertrain lineup honoring its original strengths. Although the mechanical underpinnings remain unchanged, the variant-wise transmission choices are clearly articulated, offering customers flexibility across all four trims: Authentic, Evolution, Techno, and Emotion.

At the heart of the facelifted Kiger lie two familiar 1.0-litre petrol engines. The first is a naturally aspirated (NA) unit that delivers 72 PS and 96 Nm of torque, available with both a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission). The second is a turbocharged variant producing 100 PS with torque figures of 160 Nm when paired with manual or 152 Nm when equipped with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

Hierarchically across trims: the 1.0 NA petrol with manual gearbox is the only combination offered on all variants, from the base-level Authentic to the premium Emotion. The AMT is made available in the mid-tier Evolution and Techno trims only, offering an automatic-style convenience without stepping up to the highest price. In contrast, the turbo-petrol manual gearbox is exclusively reserved for the top Emotion trim. Meanwhile, the turbo-petrol CVT is offered in both the Techno and Emotion variants—blending performance with ease of driving.

A standout practical addition: buyers opting for the NA-petrol manual setup can retrofit a CNG kit through Renault at around ₹79,500—a cost-effective alternative for fuel-conscious owners.

Under the skin, there are no surprises—Renault retains the same drivetrains from the pre-facelift model, ensuring familiarity and reliability for returning customers.

Complementing the powertrain options are fresh design elements and strengthened safety equipment. The facelift adds a redesigned grille, sharper headlamps, updated alloys, and a bold new front bumper. The cabin benefits from new upholstery textures and dashboard treatments, embracing a more modern yet restrained aesthetic. Most notably, six airbags are now standard across all variants, elevating safety packaging substantially compared to the previous generation.

Pricing reflects the facelift’s enhancements: the Kiger is now available from ₹6.29 lakh to ₹11.29 lakh (ex-showroom), marking a modest uptick from its earlier entry point.

The 2025 Renault Kiger facelift keeps the mechanical familiarity that buyers appreciate, while delivering nuanced transmission flexibility across trims and elevated safety. Whether one prioritizes affordability, convenience, or performance, the variant-based engine-transmission alignment provides a transparent and tailored proposition in a crowded compact SUV segment.