Nissan Magnite XE vs Renault Kiger RXE – Base Variant Feature List Knockdown

With a super-low starting price for a car, brands target their ways to the headlines for coming up with the most affordable offering in a segment. Recently, Nissan made its way to the headlines by launching its first sub-4m compact-SUV – Magnite, which starts at Rs. 5.49 lakh. Now, Renault Kiger is finally on sale in the country, and it starts at Rs. 5.45 lakh to take away the title of cheapest sub-4m compact-SUV from the Magnite. Interestingly, both of these cars are mechanically identical to each other. Both Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger use a platform that was co-developed by the brands, and the same goes for the powertrain and drivetrain options. But how loaded are the base trims of these affordable sub-4m compact-SUVs? Let’s find out in this Nissan Magnite XE vs Renault Kiger RXE feature comparison of their entry-level trims.

Nissan Magnite XE vs Renault Kiger RXE Feature Comparison – Exterior

Though Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger are based on the same platform, they are highly-different from each other, at least visually. The Nissan Magnite follows a design theme that embodies sharp lines and creases. On the other hand, Renault Kiger stays true to Renault’s family design language. It won’t be wrong to say that the Kiger seems like a grown-up Kwid in all the right ways. While the top-spec trims of these SUVs get a lot of detailing elements, they are kept away from the base trims. Starting with the Magnite, it misses out on LED DRLs, which are available on the Kiger from the RXE variant itself. Another difference between the two are the roof rails. The Magnite comes standard with functional roof rails that can carry a weight of up to 50 kilograms; however, the Kiger gets dummy roof rails in the base trim.

Another difference between the two is the position of side turn indicators. They are mounted on the fenders on Magnite’s base trim, whereas the Kiger gets ORVM-mounted turn indicators from the RXE variant itself. Also, the Magnite’s XE trim gets black ORVMs (non-painted), while the Kiger’s ORVMs feature Mystery Black paint scheme. On the flip side, Magnite gets body-coloured door handles as standard, which the Kiger manages to miss out on. While the entry-level trim of Magnite comes with hub caps for the steel wheels, the Kiger’s base variant gets full-size wheel covers. However, a big difference between the two is the availability of tinted glass on the Magnite along with a roof-mounted antenna. The Kiger misses out on both of these features.

Nissan Magnite XE vs Renault Kiger RXE Feature Comparison – Interior

On the inside, the entry-level trims of Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite are decently loaded. But, they manage to have some differences, which we can talk of in this section of our Nissan Magnite XE vs Renault Kiger RXE feature comparison. Starting with the power windows first, the Nissan Magnite gets all four power windows as standard affair across the range. However, the Renault Kiger comes with power windows for the front doors only. Both of these SUVs come with manual HVAC units, but it is the Nissan Magnite that also gets a rear defogger in the base variant. For the charging duties, the Kiger gets 12V power sockets for both the rows, while the Magnite does the job with just one 12V power outlet.

Moreover, the Kiger comes with a front centre armrest, which the Magnite has easily managed to miss out on.  However, the Magnite gets the manually-adjustable IRVM to make up for this loss, and it also gets tilt adjustability for the steering wheel. If you think that the Magnite’s XE trim is running short on features, we tell you that you are wrong. It also gets a rear wiper, which is nowhere to be seen on the Kiger. Also, the Magnite gets a vanity mirror on the passenger-side sun visor. Sadly, the entry-level trims of these cars fail to get infotainment units.

Nissan Magnite XE vs Renault Kiger RXE Feature Comparison – Safety

With cars scoring higher numbers on the testbed these days, consumers have started to take a note of safety devices while buying a car. In this regard, Nissan Magnite has a stronger edge over the Renault Kiger since it has been tested by ASEAN-NCAP and was awarded a 4-star crash test rating. The Kiger is yet to be tested by the authorities. Both of these cars come standard with front driver & passenger airbags, reverse parking sensors, and ABS with EBD assistance. From here, the difference starts to begin between the two, as the Magnite gets some extra equipment in its safety net in comparison to the Kiger. The list includes – adjustable rear headrests, anti-roll bars, and front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters. Sadly, the Kiger gets pre-tensioner and load limiter for the driver-side seatbelt only, and it comes with adjustable headrests only for the front-row of seats.

Nissan Magnite XE vs Renault Kiger RXE Feature Comparison – Engine & Gearbox

The XE trim of Nissan Magnite and the RXE variant of Renault Kiger come with the same 3-pot petrol motor. The naturally-aspirated engine puts out a rated power output of 72 PS and max torque of 96 Nm. For the transmission duties, both Renault and Nissan have used a 5-speed gearbox. However, in the next trim option of the Renault Kiger – RXL, buyers can opt for the AMT box as well. Apart from this 1.0L naturally-aspirated petrol motor, the Kiger and Magnite also come with a 1.0L turbo-petrol engine that generates 100 PS of peak power and 160 Nm of max torque. Transmission options with this engine include a 5-speed MT and a CVT.

Nissan Magnite XE vs Renault Kiger RXE Feature Comparison – Verdict