Renault India has finally entered the most hotly contested segment – subcompact SUVs – with the Kiger. Prices start at an incredible Rs 5.45 lakh and go up to Rs 9.55 lakh. What becomes the tenth option in the sub-4 metre SUV space is available with four engine-transmission combinations. For diesel lovers, things are the same because the Kiger doesn’t make the decision-making process any more complicated. In other words, it isn’t available with a diesel-fed engine. Here’s the complete price list:

You can have the Kiger with a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine, or with the same with the addition of a turbocharger. With the former, the SUV offers 71bhp/96Nm, whereas with the latter it has 99bhp/160Nm (152Nm with CVT) on tap. As standard, both powerplants come coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission. Those looking for a two-pedal setup can get the non-turbocharged Kiger with an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) and the turbocharged one with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

Coming to the list of features, the Kiger has a decent one. Depending on the trim level, it offers stuff like an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7.0-inch reconfigurable TFT within the instrument cluster and push-button start/stop. Other features available include a wireless mobile charger, a PM2.5 air purifier, multiple drive modes (Normal, Eco, Sport), LED-powered headlamps, multi-function steering wheel and a fast-charging USB port.

Renault has also devised personalised packs for the Kiger. They, in essence, introduce a few more gadgets. There are five of them – SUV, Attractive, Essential, Smart and Smart Plus. As for the colour options, there are six – Cool White, Planet Grey, Moonlight Grey, Mahogany Brown, Caspian Blue and Radiant Red with black roof. For the dual-tone finish, Renault will charge an extra Rs 17,000.

There’s no other way of putting it – Renault is late to join the subcompact SUV game. That said, it has managed to create a product that, on price, looks and practicality, can change the market share dynamics. The Kiger is also the third Renault to see a launch in India before anywhere else in the world. Apart from competing against its step-sibling – the Nissan Magnite – it will rival the Hyundai Venue, Honda WR-V, Ford EcoSport, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV300 and the Toyota Urban Cruiser.