Renault Kiger Facelift Vs Tata Punch: Detailed Comparison

Renault Kiger Facelift Vs Tata Punch: Renault India launched the facelifted Kiger a few days ago. The updated Kiger mainly gets some design tweaks and feature additions, while mechanically it remains exactly the same. However, Renault has addressed a few customer complaints - majorly on the safety and feature fronts. With these notable updates, the Kiger has refreshed its rivalry with the Tata Punch, the top-selling car in its segment.

But does the Kiger facelift really offer better value, or is it still behind in the VFM game? I'll be putting both the Kiger facelift and the Punch against each other to see how they compete, and finally conclude which one's the better pick for you. Before moving ahead, do join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay versed on the latest automotive news and industry insights.

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Renault Kiger Vs Tata Punch: Design

For the Kiger's design, the company seems to have taken an evolutionary approach, rather than a complete design overhaul. The major design tweaks can be seen in the front itself, while the side and rear profile remains largely the same with some minor alterations. Looking at the front, you get to see the new 10-slat grille with the updated Renault logo in the midst of it, new bumper with satin chrome finishing, bigger air-intakes and new fog lamps.

As mentioned above, the side profile looks almost the same with the same bulky-cladding above the wheels. Ohh, Yess, you also get new 16 inch diamond-cut alloy wheels now, which apparently enhance the overall look. At the rear profile, there's a new bumper that exudes a minimal look than before.

On the other side, Kiger's primary rival - the Tata Punch looks simply aggressive and SUVish. Starting from the front look, you get a proper Tata SUV look, with some punch in it obviously - design elements in the front include a tri-arrow pattern on the grille, LED daytime running lamps and projector headlamp. The Punch uses 15 inch steel wheels with cover for all trims, excluding the Creative trims as they come fitted with 16 inch alloys. Additionally, a plus for the Punch remains the presence of a sunroof.

At the rear, you get the tri-arrow thing, which is present in the front as well. The overall, design looks simple yet impressive and modern and that's why Punch is the top-selling product in its segment

Renault Kiger Vs Tata Punch: Powertrain

Talking about the new Kiger first, it continues to come with two engine options, which include a 1 litre NA and 1.0-litre turbo powered engine. While the former makes 72 PS, the turbo countepart generates 100 PS. You get three transmission options for these engine options, including a Continously Variable Transmission (CVT), Automatic Manual Transmission (AMT) and the manual one. Whereas, the manual and AMT can be had with any variant available throughout the range, the CVT gearbox is reserved for turbo variants only.

On the other hand, the Tata Punch sources its power from a 1.2L Revotron Petrol engine, capable of making 88 PS of power and 115 Nm of torque (more than the Kiger). Whereas, making more power is a plus for the Punch, it lacks a CVT option which provides smoother gear shifting than the AMT. Another thing that works well for the Punch is that it offers a CNG option which caters to the demand of a big portion of its buyers. The power figure for the CNG options remains at 74 PS and 103 Nm (surprisingly, still 1 PS more than the Kiger's 1 Litre NA engine).

Renault Kiger Vs Tata Punch: Features

Features is where both the Kiger and Punch compete neck-to-neck with each other. Post the recent update, the Kiger has become much feature-loaded than before. The list of new feature additions over the outgoing model includes automatic headlamps, vipers, LED foglamps, ventilated seats and a multi-view camera.

Other features offers with the new Kiger include an 8 inch infotainment screen, 7 inch driver's display, push start/stop button, 6-speaker Arkamys audio system and key-less entry. The facelift Kiger is big jump in terms of safety as it now offers advanced features such as multi-view camera (rarely seen in the segment), 6 airbags, TPMS, ESP, speed-sensing door-lock, pedestrian protection and 'Take a break" reminder.

Tata Punch is decently loaded car when it comes to features. It gets a 10.25 inch touchscreen infotainment system and a semi-digital driver's display. Other notable features on offer include a generic 6 speaker sound system, push star/stop button, Auto AC, rain-sensing wipers and cruise control. The Punch misses out on features like 360 degree camera, front ventilated seats (Both of which the new Kiger offers).

In terms of safety, the Tata Punch is a five-star rated SUV. The key contributor for this safety rating could be the key strength of the Tata Motors, which is structural safety. I'm saying this because the Punch still doesn't get 6 airbags even in the range-topping variants. Meanwhile, features like rear parking camera, TPMS, rear-defogger and rain-sensing wipers are provided with the higher variants.

When it comes to safety features, the Punch now clearly lags behind some of its competitors like the Exter and the new Kiger. However, the automaker has plans to introduce the facelift iteration of the Punch, which is expected to have 6 airbags and other basic safety features as standard.

Renault Kiger Vs Tata Punch: Price Difference

After the facelift, the Kiger range starts at Rs. 6.30 lakh for the base Authentic trim and goes up to Rs. 11.30 lakh for the range topping Emotion CVT Turbo variant. In comparison, the Tata Punch range starts at a lower price tag of Rs. 6.00 lakh and the prices go up to Rs. 9.56 lakh for the top-end Creative Plus S variant. Over the Creative S, there's an option for the Camo Edition - which ranges between Rs. 9.67 lakh and Rs. 10.32 lakh. Please note that all the prices mentioned above are ex-showroom (Delhi).

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