I recently drove the Renault Kiger NA from Lucknow to Uttarakhand, covering a mix of plains, highways, and hilly terrain. On the Lucknow–Bareilly stretch, the 1.0L naturally aspirated engine felt adequate for city-like cruising, but on open highways, it required frequent downshifts to maintain momentum, especially during overtakes. The engine is refined at moderate speeds, though it feels strained beyond 100 km/h.
Climbing towards Nainital and further into the hills, the NA engine revealed its limitations. With full luggage and passengers, I often had to stick to lower gears to keep pace on inclines. However, the compact size and light steering made navigating winding mountain roads surprisingly enjoyable. Ride quality was commendable; the suspension absorbed rough patches and broken hill roads well.
Fuel efficiency was respectable, averaging 16–17 km/l on highways and around 13–14 km/l in the hills. The cabin remained comfortable throughout, with supportive seats and decent space. Overall, the Renault Kiger NA is a good choice for budget-friendly road trips, but those who frequently travel hilly terrains might prefer the turbo variant.