Renault Kiger | Class: E | $31,950 | Eurocar
The first thing you anticipate when you step into the new Renault Kiger, is this car is going to be a lot of fun.
With a sporty, amped-up look to its body design, you already get the sense it will be an entertaining car to drive before you even hit the gas pedal.
The Kiger, with its 1.0lt turbo engine, has a very zippy feel on your initial acceleration and keeps up with that burst of energy as you take to the streets – with the option to choose Eco, Normal or Sport mode for your journey. While a Sport mode may seem contradictory for Bermuda’s narrow roads and lower speed limit, the mode is beneficial when navigating out of and moving efficiently into main roads from the island’s smaller, tighter drives and roadways.
Its stance reads SUV with a higher ground clearance, but the Kiger sits nicely in the E class and still feels roomy without being oversized.
The space has been thoroughly maximised, both within the stylish interior as well as throughout the two-toned exterior. It features both a rear camera and sensors and power-folding electric mirrors, to provide plenty of security when getting in and out of Bermuda’s notorious tight spots, plus it’s stylish with a two-tone body, body-coloured bumpers, chrome front grille, sporty rear spoiler, shark fin antenna and functional roof bars, which add to the sporty aesthetic of this hatchback.
Features that inherently make a safer and more comfortable drive for me include an elevated driving position and a wide rear window, and the Kiger ticks both boxes. Plus, it’s just a really great car to drive and doesn’t feel heavy through the steering or under foot and is appreciably responsive.
The style, safety and technology is carried on throughout the interior of the Kiger, with features like keyless entry and push-button start, integrated smartphone technology and climate-controlled air-conditioning, including rear air conditioning, which is apparently a major plus factor for my children.
These features can be controlled via a smart 8-inch floating touchscreen including hands-free smartphone access, ambient lighting, multi-sense driving mode system and a premium audio sound system featuring 3D sound with USB and Bluetooth, so your ride can be customised for your enjoyment.
While the sporty Kiger is an appealing ride and perfect for any dynamic driver looking for comfort and style in their vehicle, it also would suit an active family. It boasts roomy footwells and the rear seats are spacious and feature a rear centre armrest. There is also a surprisingly large boot space at 405L that opens up to 879L with the folding rear seats in a 60/40 split.
Starting at $31,950, it’s also an attractive price with many features often reserved for vehicles with a heftier price tag.
