Renault Kwid

Renault Kwid

The Renault Kwid is one of the show-stealers in its segment, offering both features and looks in equal measure. It has been a success story for Renault in the entry-level hatchback category. 

How’s the Design? 

The Renault Kwid wins brownie points with its SUV-like design. The Kwid is still the same overall despite an update. The front fascia has been tweaked for some differentiation. The headlight assembly is now positioned lower and tucked in nicely for the bumper. There are bright DRLs on top along with the turn indicators. The DRL fuses neatly with the grille for doffing a hat to the original design of the Renault Kwid. The bumper has also undergone re-profiling for its headlamps along with getting faux air vents. There is a black lip on the lowest portion of the bumper while the design looks more like a scuff plate of sorts. It also gets an air dam for the supply of cool air towards the radiator. The grille has been revamped with lower detailing in chrome this time around. There is a sleek strip with chrome plating that goes through the grille to fuse with the slim DRLs on both ends. The grille’s honeycomb design also remains the same although the earlier boldness has been muted slightly. The bonnet has the same design and so does the side profile of the Renault Kwid. The designers have also worked on the ORVM caps and their finishes along with the wheel cap designs and plastic cladding graphics on the doors. The wheel caps have a five spoke design as well. The top-end Climber variants come with multi-spoke alloy wheels. The rear design is striking with its new glow pattern for the tail lights which have stop lamp LEDs and there are reflectors tucked into the bumper at the back. 

How does it perform? 

The Renault Kwid gets two engine choices, i.e. 799 and 999 cc. The outputs are quite different for the two. The engine comes to life eagerly with its throaty note. The engine feels powerful enough in this segment and has a peppy feel overall. However, there is some noise at higher speeds. There are more vibrations and whining sounds as well. You should see the engine coming alive around 3,000 RPM and the car does not really excite enthusiasts in terms of building up higher speeds. However, you can cruise at around 80-90 kmph without any issues on the highway. The 799 cc engine does well in the city although once again, it is more of a practical and frugal option without any real punch to excite you on the roads. 

How’s the mileage? 

• Petrol Manual- 22.25 kmpl
• Petrol Automatic- 22 kmpl

How’s the driving experience? 

The Renault Kwid comes with McPherson struts for its suspension system in front along with rear twist beams and coil overs. These help the car maintain suitable travel, damping, progression, and rebound. The Kwid can take rough roads with elan while it is not as assured while cornering. There is a lot of roll that you will find unnerving at times. It is good for maintaining a lane and cruising swiftly. The steering wheel does give a little bit of confidence but is quite light and you can maneuver the car well in the city. However, the driving dynamics for the Kwid as not as good as originally perceived. The chassis is the good part with its soft suspension and powerful 1.0 litre engine. The 14-inch wheels are also adequate for the car. 

What’s the interior like? 

The interiors are neat enough with a new pattern for the steering wheel and the horn pads easily accessible. The flat-bottom unit offers a sportier touch while the instrument console lies behind the steering wheel and this is now a completely digital setup. There are parts coming from the Triber and even the Duster in some places. There is a new central console with new placements for the HVAC controls and power window switches. There is a bigger 8 inch touch screen unit now with two speakers for every door pad. There is also the reverse parking camera, which rivals like the S-Presso do not have. There is a new dashboard design and a chunky glovebox. The car gets good storage spaces all throughout as well. However, the quality of plastics is not good at all and the fit and finish leaves a lot to be desired. However, the upholstery is good with red accents and contrast stitching alike. The good part is also the seats which offer great comfort and support. There is decent space at the rear as well. You can have four people comfortably sitting in the car, including the one driving it. The Kwid still offers good legroom at the rear although three people would feel the squeeze a bit. 

Tech and Infotainment

There is a digital instrument console with an 8 inch touch screen infotainment unit and reverse parking camera along with a good audio system. Top-end trims also get quick USB chargers. 

Safety Equipment

There are standard driver’s airbags for each variant, along with front-seat belt reminders, rear parking sensors, ABS with EBD and speed alert systems. 

Which variant to buy? 

You will find the Kwid available in the RxL, RxE, and the RxT variants. These are for the Kwid 0.8 which also has an entry-level Std variant. The Kwid 1.0 comes in the RxT and the Climber variants. You can also get an Option pack for rear power windows and a passenger airbag which comes at a nominal price. The Std trim is basic with a few features but the RxE gets a couple of speakers, manual air conditioning, folding rear seat, side decals and a few other things. Pay a little more and the RxE offers more exterior enhancements, power steering, power windows in front, single-DIN audio with Bluetooth, USB and AUX-IN and more. The RxT variant gets the touch screen, connectivity features, voice recognition, accessory socket at the rear, USB fast charging and more features. This is not as costlier over the RxL and is the value pick. The Climber has more interior and exterior additions for a nominal price hike with a rear-centre armrest as well. Get the top-end Climber with the Option pack and it will not be so costly over the mid-range trims if you have the budget. Otherwise, the RxT variant is the one to choose. 

Which cars compete in this segment? 

The Renault Kwid competes with the Datsun Redi-Go, Maruti Suzuki Alto and the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso in its segment. The 0.8 litre version has similar figures as the Redi-Go while the Alto has lower outputs. It is also more fuel efficient in comparison to the Alto. In the 1.0 litre guise, the S-Presso, Alto K10, Redi-Go and Kwid have similar outputs. However, the Kwid and Redi-Go have slightly higher torque. The Kwid also offers slightly higher fuel economy than the S-Presso but is outstripped by the Alto K10 and the Datsun Redi-Go. The top-end trims of the Kwid are also costlier than some of its rivals. Yet, it gets features like the touch screen, digital instrument cluster, and reverse parking camera, that its rivals do not have. 

Verdict (Value for Money)

The Renault Kwid is one of the best value propositions in the entry-level category, especially at the top-end of the variant line-up, with its great features, stylish looks, and more enhancements. The Kwid has good fuel economy and reliable engines, although ride, handling, and overall dynamics are not the best of the lot. When you consider the price point, then the Renault Kwid starts to seem like a great purchase for a wide spectrum of buyers.