Renault Kwid Review
Overall:
Renault Kwid is a first of its kind hatchback from Renault India India is a huge market for hatchbacks, especially for those with an affordable price tag. In this segment, Maruti 800 is the one that ruled the roost for over a period of three decades. No manufacturer or a hatch has ever come close to what this small car has achieved since its inception. To challenge this, Renault India rolled out a new car in this segment with a ground breaking price tag. It is named as Renault Kwid and it is available in four trim levels namely STD, RXE, RXL and RXT. This hatchback is currently on offer a newly developed 0.8-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine, which is claimed to be more powerful and economical than any other vehicle of its class. Another interesting fact is that it weighs only about 660 Kgs owing to the lightweight body construction. Besides, its engine is made using all-aluminum material making it light in weight. This together has resulted in the best ever fuel economy of 25.17 Kmpl. This vehicle is built with a length of 3679mm along with a total height of 1478mm, which does explain that its cabin has enough space for accommodating five passengers. It is loaded with some particular features, which we can only see in the models of premium range. Perhaps, this is the first hatchback in this segment to get a MediaNav infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen display that is accompanied by two speakers along with several other connectivity aspects. This vehicle also gets some other comfort features like an air conditioning system with well placed vents, auto-on cabin lighting and front power windows as well.
When it was first unveiled for the auto industry a few months ago, it was a runaway hit and grabbed the attention of many. The reason is because of its SUV like body structure, especially the front facade that looks much bolder. It has a signature radiator grille, which is inspired by the Stepaway version of their Lodgy MPV. Black colored lower claddings are another factor that reinforces its SUV appeal. As for the interiors, it has an interesting dashboard design with a dual tone color scheme. Moving on to the safety section, it gets crucial list of features to safeguard the car and passengers as well. They include engine immobilizer that keeps a check on any break-in into the car, remote keyless entry with central locking for added security. This vehicle comes with an impressive warranty of 50,000 kilometers or 2-years along with free roadside assistance for two years. The manufacturer is expecting that this vehicle is going to set-up a new benchmark of sorts in this segment.
Engine and Performance:
The automaker has fitted this series with a newly developed and a smaller 0.8-litre petrol engine. This is a 3-cylindered mill integrated with 12 valves altogether and it has a total displacement capacity of 799cc. Mated with this power plant is a five speed manual transmission gear box that releases the output to the front wheels. It has the ability to churn out a peak power of 53.26 bhp at 5678 rpm and at the same time, it can release a maximum torque output of 72 Nm at 4386rpm.
Mileage And Fuel Economy:
The manufacturer claims that this 799cc motor has the ability to give away 25.17 Kmpl (as per ARAI).
Acceleration and Pickup:
Renault Kwid takes about 17 second to reach a 100 kmph speed mark. It is also capable of reaching a top speed of 125 Kmph.
Exteriors:
Its external appearance looks so stunning that it can even lure the buyers of compact SUV. With bold exteriors and sporty cosmetics, it flaunts a silhouette of a sports utility vehicle. Starting with the front facade, the first thing that grabs your attention is its black radiator grille that is elegantly decorated with the company’s badge. On either sides, there is an attractive headlight cluster powered by conventional halogen lamps. The bumper below this has a masculine design like those in SUVs featuring black lower claddings underneath. This is further fitted with a pair of round shaped fog lamps. Moving on to the side facet, we can see that the wheel arches are affixed with claddings that enhances its appeal. Furthermore, its window sills, door handles and the outside mirror caps are all done in black. We can also see that the front wheel-arch claddings are fitted with turn blinkers that adds to the safety. The manufacturer is offering this model series with conventional set of 13 inch rims as a standard fitment. Unlike its front and side facets, its rear section looks more like a sporty hatchback and possesses a very attractive body structure. The taillight cluster is large, while the tailgate has a smooth and curvy finish that renders it a modern appeal. The rear windscreen has a concave design and is accompanied by a spoiler along with a high mount third brake light. The company has placed the company’s logo in the center of its tailgate and just below this there is ‘Kwid’ lettering as well.
Interior:
The company claims that this hatchback has a smart cabin with class-leading space and utilities unlike others. It also gave importance to the design and has done it up in a dual tone color scheme. The seating arrangement is designed to accommodate five passengers comfortably. We can also see that there are storage units located on its dashboard, door panels, floor console and behind the rear seats, which can take-in a lot of things. Its dashboard has a very simple design and yet it houses various equipments and utility features. The center fascia is the place where the infotainment system and AC unit are placed, which are easy to access. It has piano black accents, while its surround has chrome garnish in its top end versions. However, the mid range trims have a silver coated surround. The car maker has given it a fully digital instrument cluster that displays vehicle’s speed, fuel levels and a few other notifications. The overall look and space of the cabin is pretty much impressive considering its price range.
Interior Comfort:
As specified above, this brand new vehicle from Renault is available a total of four trim levels along with an optional package for RxE and RxT trims. The entry level STD version has features like floor console with two can holders, integrated head rests for front seats, heater, open storage in front of the passenger seat, door map storage with bottle holder and reclining front seat. The remaining variants have been equipped with an air conditioning system and a lower glovebox. The mid range RxL trim has electric power assisted steering, auto on/off cabin light, passenger side sun visor and assist grips for rear passengers. The high end version, RXT additionally gets a four speed blower and five position air distribution facility. This high end version also gets front power windows, on-board trip computer, cabin lighting with timer, and a rear parcel tray.
Stereo and Accessories:
Entertainment is well taken care of in this hatch as it features an advanced infotainment system. The RXL trim is bestowed with a single DIN stereo that includes an MP3 player and AM/FM radio tuner. Meanwhile, a state of the art MediaNAV system is fitted in its top end version only. This multimedia and navigation system comes with a 7-inch touchscreen screen that has controls for audio, navigation, radio, and Bluetooth. Also there are connectivity features like AUX-In port and USB for connectivity of media devices. There are high quality speakers placed in the front cabin that delivers an outstanding sound output. Not just these, but it also has roof mic and an antenna, which aids in good reception of radio signals. On the other hand, the owners can select a few more accessories to add to the utility and for enhancing its style. Some of these include leather seat covers, alloy wheels, body graphics, leather cover for steering wheel, all power windows and many more, which they can choose based on their requirement.
Wheels:
All its trims are fitted with a set of 13 inch conventional steel wheels. In RxE variant, they are painted in silver but the other trims have them with black finish. The base and mid range variants have black hub caps, whereas multi spoke covers are given for the remaining ones. These rims are covered with tubeless radial tyres of size 155/80 R13 and a full size spare wheel is also offered along with some tools, which are required for changing a flat tyre.
Braking And Handling:
It is blessed with a proficient suspension system that assists in maintaining stability irrespective of road conditions. The front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut that has lower transverse link, whereas the rear one gets a twist beam along with coil spring. This aids in making the drive not just smooth but jerk free as well. When it is about braking, the front wheels are equipped with disc brakes and sturdy drum brakes are fitted on the rear rims. This hatchback is also incorporated with an electric power assisted steering system that simplifies handling. It gives precise response and even supports its minimum turning radius.
Safety and Security:
This model series is loaded with some significant aspects that give protection not only to its passengers but to the vehicle as well. The top end trim has a central locking system through which, all doors can be locked and unlocked by just pressing a button. The driver airbag is available as an optional feature in RXT variant. There is also an engine immobilizer, which protects the vehicle from any unauthorized access. All the occupants have seat belts, which are quite helpful in the event of an impact. The front fog lamps are also present which further aid in better visibility. In addition to all these, the company has provided it with a high mount stop lamp, warning triangle, robust body structure with crumple zones, as well as two years corrosion protection, which enhances the level of security.
Pros:
1. Captivating external design and appearance.
2. Media-Nav system is a major advantage.
3. Offers ample leg and shoulder space.
4. Engine performance is good.
5. Good braking and suspension mechanisms.
Cons:
1. Interior styling can be made more appealing.
2. Rear head room needs to improve.
3. More innovative comfort features should be added.
4. Absence of anti lock braking system is a big drawback.
5. Driver airbag can be offered as a standard feature for all variants.