Tag Archives: Renault

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2026 Renault Kiger Facelift: Fresh Face, Familiar Formula

Not long after Renault pulled the wraps off its refreshed Triber minivan, the brand’s smallest SUV sibling, the Kiger, is stepping into the spotlight. The sub-4-meter crossover has just received its mid-cycle update in India, adding a sharper look, a pinch of tech, and—thankfully—more standard safety kit, all while keeping its budget-friendly reputation intact.

A Quick Refresher

The Kiger launched in 2021 to take on India’s crowded, ultra-competitive subcompact SUV market. Four and a half years later, it’s facing a tougher battlefield, with new rivals arriving almost monthly. This refresh is Renault’s attempt to keep the Kiger looking relevant without breaking the affordability formula that made it attractive in the first place.

Exterior Tweaks

The most obvious changes are up front: a redesigned bumper with a slimmer grille, chunkier skid plate, and sharper sculpting that give the Kiger a little more attitude. The split headlight design carries over but now integrates extra fog lamps. Out back, the bumper has been reworked too, complete with a new skid plate and some fake inlets for visual flair.

From the side, things are business as usual. Renault added some new graphics on the doors and C-pillar, plus a fresh set of 16-inch alloys for the top trims. Subtle stuff, but enough to separate the facelift from the outgoing version.

Cabin and Features

Step inside, and it’s largely familiar territory, though a few details freshen the cabin: a new white dashboard trim, updated upholstery, Renault’s latest steering wheel badge, and better insulation for a quieter ride. The 8-inch touchscreen returns in most trims, and if you pony up for the new Emotion grade, you’ll get some genuinely premium kit for the class—ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and an Arkamys audio system.

At the other end of the lineup, the entry-level Authentic trim is almost bare-bones by modern standards. Forget the big screen or steering wheel buttons—you’ll be staring at a small storage slot instead. Still, Renault sweetened the deal by making six airbags, hill-start assist, and rear parking sensors standard across the range.

Powertrains: No Surprises

Under the hood, the Kiger stays put. It rides on Renault’s CMFA+ platform and continues with two gas-only three-cylinder options:

  • A 1.0-liter naturally aspirated engine with 71 hp.
  • A 1.0-liter turbocharged unit with 99 hp.

The NA motor can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or an AMT, while the turbo offers a manual or CVT. No hybrids, no electrification—just simple, straightforward powertrains designed to keep costs low.

Pricing and Rivals

The facelifted Kiger is already on sale in India. Prices start at Rs 6.30 lakh ($7,200) for the base Authentic with the NA engine and manual gearbox—just Rs 15,000 ($170) more than before. The fully loaded Emotion trim with the turbo-CVT tops out at Rs 11.30 lakh ($12,900).

That puts it nose-to-nose with some heavy hitters: the Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Exter, Citroën C3, Nissan Magnite, Suzuki Fronx, and more. In such a brutal segment, Renault’s value play could still keep the Kiger in the conversation.

The 2025 Renault Kiger facelift isn’t about revolution—it’s about refinement. With tougher looks, more features where it counts, and standard safety upgrades, it remains a solid budget SUV option in one of the world’s most competitive markets. It won’t blow you away on performance or luxury, but for buyers chasing affordability with a touch of flair, the Kiger still checks the right boxes.

Source: Renault

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Renault’s Cheeky Little Comeback: The 2026 Twingo

Here’s the thing about the Renault Twingo — it’s always been a bit of an oddball. The Mk1 of 1992 looked like it had been designed by someone armed with a crayon, a bottle of French wine, and a carefree disregard for symmetry… and we loved it for it. The Mk2 and Mk3? Well, they tried to grow up. The Mk4? It’s decided adulthood is boring, electric is the future, and it’s about to bounce into the city like a caffeinated puppy.

Yes, the fourth-generation Twingo will roll into dealerships in mid-2026, starting at under £17,000. That’s not just cheap — that’s “you might have change left for a second-hand espresso machine” cheap. And it’s a direct slap in the face of Volkswagen’s upcoming ID.1, not to mention Dacia’s Spring and Leapmotor’s T03 — the UK’s current budget EV champions.

From Petrol Ghost to Electric Glow-Up

The last petrol Twingo quietly shuffled out of the UK in 2018 after selling a grand total of… 877 units that year. Now, seven years later, it’s back, and this time it hums instead of coughs. It’s riding on the momentum of Renault’s retro-cool Renault 5, which proved that affordable EVs can also be stylish. And Renault’s clearly taken notes: the new Twingo’s camouflage can’t hide its bubbly silhouette, funky semicircular lights, and design nods to the original 1992 model.

There are some concessions to reality — gone are the concept’s Mk1-style hidden door pulls, replaced by sensible grab handles. And the idea of showing your battery percentage on the bonnet like a futuristic toaster? That may or may not survive. But Renault promises it’ll still have that “fit-for-purpose urban vehicle with no compromise” charm.

Inside the Bubble

We haven’t seen the full production interior yet, but the concept’s cabin was “90% ready” — translation: basic seats, bare surfaces, and an emphasis on durability over luxury. At the centre sits a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, a 7-inch digital instrument display, and — bless them — physical buttons and dials for the important stuff. The air vents are still ovoid, the hazard light button still bright red, and the vibe is still “friendly French pod” rather than “soulless appliance.”

Power, Range, and Wallet Friendliness

Renault hasn’t spilled all the powertrain beans yet, but expect it to borrow heavily from the Renault 5’s Ampr Small platform. In base spec, that means a single motor with 118bhp, a 40kWh battery, and around 190 miles of range. But — and here’s the budget magic — the Twingo could get an even smaller battery, like the 25kWh pack from the Dacia Spring, giving about 140 miles of city-friendly range. Efficiency could hit 6.2 miles per kWh, which is basically EV diet food.

Built at Double Speed

Perhaps the most jaw-dropping stat isn’t the price, but the time it took to make: 21 months from green light to showroom. The Clio took 48 months. That’s not just quick — that’s “we forgot to blink” quick. New Renault Group CEO François Provost calls it part of an “obsession with competitiveness,” which sounds suspiciously like corporate speak for “we want to beat the Chinese at their own game.”

The result? Production costs 50% lower than a new C-segment SUV thanks to fewer materials, smarter software, and Ampere — Renault’s EV-focused sub-brand — doing everything possible to make EVs as cheap as petrol cars.

Greener, Meaner, Right-Hand Drive

Renault says the Twingo will produce 75% less CO₂ over its lifetime than the average ICE car sold in Europe last year. And yes, UK fans — you are getting it in right-hand drive. That wasn’t always a given, but after the Renault 5’s warm reception, bosses decided Britain deserved a slice of the Twingo pie.

In the words of Renault’s Fabrice Cambolive: “The UK is very important in terms of product recognition… The Twingo can be one of the solutions of mobility for the UK tomorrow.” Translation: “We think you’ll like it, and we want your money.”

Source: Renault

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New Renault Clio Set for Landmark Reveal at Munich Motor Show

Sixth-generation model promises major overhaul, hybrid-only powertrain, and uncertain UK future.

Renault has confirmed that the sixth-generation Renault Clio will break cover imminently, with its global debut strongly tipped for the 2025 Munich Motor Show this September. The reveal marks a significant evolution for what is currently Europe’s best-selling car, as the iconic supermini transitions to a hybrid-only powertrain and undergoes one of the most substantial overhauls in its history.

Bold Shift for Europe’s Favourite Supermini

Renault has a habit of making big statements at European motor shows, having recently debuted headline models such as the Renault 5, 4, Twingo, and Mégane E-Tech. The new Clio looks set to be the marquee unveiling in Munich on September 8, based on the firm’s plans for a ‘pre-show’ reveal.

While full details remain under wraps, it’s clear the new Clio will ditch pure-petrol engines in favor of an updated version of Renault’s E-Tech hybrid powertrain. The existing 1.6-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine will be paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 143bhp and 151lb ft of torque.

Hybrid-Only: Driven by Regulation

The decision to go hybrid-only isn’t just about performance—it’s about compliance. EU fleet emissions targets are tightening fast, with the average CO₂ threshold dropping to 93.6g/km in 2025, and a drastic 49.5g/km expected by 2030. By comparison, the outgoing petrol-only TCe 90 emits 120g/km, while the hybrid E-Tech is rated at 96g/km—a critical 20% improvement.

Renault’s move positions the Clio as an emissions-conscious choice in the B-segment, but there’s a caveat: the sixth-gen Clio will not be offered with a fully electric drivetrain. That strategic omission could impact its availability in the UK.

UK Future Uncertain

The Clio’s UK future is now in doubt due to the government’s Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which requires 24% of a carmaker’s sales to be EVs in 2024, ramping up to 80% by 2030. Without an electric variant, Renault may find it difficult to justify allocating sales to the Clio in the UK, especially when the Captur crossover—which shares underpinnings with the Clio—is more profitable.

That’s despite the Clio’s strong brand identity in the UK. “Clio is a brand in itself,” said Renault’s Product Performance Chief, Bruno Vanel. “In the UK, it is probably as well known as Renault – or even more.” A final decision on the UK market is not expected until 2025.

Design, Platform, and Affordability

Visually, the new Clio will feature a bolder front end and twin-decked lip rear spoilers, hinting at a sportier design direction. Under the skin, it will ride on an evolved version of the CMF-B platform, shared with models like the Captur and Arkana, and updated to enhance efficiency and cost management.

Affordability remains a top priority for Renault. As the brand pivots toward more expensive EVs, the Clio will serve as a crucial bridge for budget-conscious buyers. “We are not moving directly towards 100% electric,” said Vanel. “We are doing it step by step, to have this transition with hybrid cars so that we remain an affordable brand.”

Rather than slashing list prices, Renault will lean on monthly leasing or PCP finance packages to maintain accessibility. “If you compare the rentals in 2018/2019 to last year, with the improvement of residual values and even with some price increases, I think we experienced quite a good performance,” Vanel added.

What’s Next?

The all-new Clio is expected to go on sale across continental Europe in early 2026, but whether it will remain part of Renault’s UK portfolio remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the sixth-generation Clio is shaping up to be more than just a facelift—it’s a clear symbol of Renault’s evolving identity in a rapidly changing industry.

Source: Renault