Sponsored feature: India’s coolest Kwid!

This is a small car that makes a big statement. It has to. When you’re going up against someone who has ruled a segment ever since it was created in India, bringing out something just as good isn’t good enough. It has to be way better. It has to break the mould. It has to raise the bar. It has to shake up the segment in a manner that has not been done before. Others before it have tried. None have come close. The Renault Kwid, though, has everything that will get customers excited and the competition, worried. It is a car that symbolises dynamic performance, strength and a taste for adventure. It is a car that has been designed for more. A car that lets you make the most of every day.   

Designed to turn heads

This is one smart-looking Kwid. Its butch SUV-inspired design with a bluff front end, sculpted sides and squared bulging wheel arches, is clear for everyone to see. The short front and rear overhangs and high ground clearance add to its robust image. The bold, structured grille highlighting the Renault diamond logo, the headlights with their C-shaped chrome trim and stylish fog lamps make the Kwid even more striking. The rectangular, black wheel arches and the black trim rear bumper accentuate the SUV look. The steeply raked windscreen, the high waistline and the integrated roof spoiler add dynamism and sportiness.

Power that’s sensible and exciting

The Renault Kwid is powered by a 0.8-litre, all-aluminium, three-cylinder engine that produces 54PS and 72Nm of torque. What makes these numbers more interesting is that it achieves an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 25.17kpl, making it the most fuel-efficient petrol car in India. Yes. You read that right. It achieves this thanks to SCe — Smart Control efficiency engine that features advanced technology for accurate fuel to air ratio monitoring. A knock sensor also automatically adjusts spark advance to fuel quality, helping deliver optimised performance.
 

Built to keep you safe

Obviously, there can never be a compromise on safety. The Renault Kwid comes equipped with an airbag for the driver and a central locking system. Disc brakes on the front wheels ensure you’re always ready for any weather and road conditions. The high-mount stop lamp makes you visible from a distance. The audible parking brake warning ensures that you always have peace of mind.

A refined and sophisticated look

On the inside is where the Renault Kwid really manages to stand out from the crowd. The interior carries the same bold cues as the outside. The horizontal lines on the dashboard give it an impression of width while the lack of clutter helps add refinement. The overall look is contemporary and balanced. The glossy piano-black centre fascia with a chrome contour helps liven up the dashboard.

The black, red and grey upholstery of the ergo-smart cabin gives the interiors of the Renault Kwid a sporty feel. The chunky steering wheel enhances the sportiness and provides better grip.

A surprise inside

That’s not all. There’s something else that will definitely surprise you — the space. The 2,422mm wheelbase hints at this, but when you see how much space there really is on the inside, you will be amazed. The class-leading space of this cabin comfortably seats five and has a host of thoughtful features. The 4-way adjustable driver seat helps you find the most comfortable driving position. The electric power steering and one-touch lane changer make driving easy. Power-assisted windows add convenience and the powerful air-conditioning with heater keeps you comfortable no matter what the temperature outside is like. Innovative, smart storage spaces like the three-set glove compartments and floor, door and centre console bottle holders allow handy spaces for storage. The humongous class-leading boot space of 300 litres can even be extended to 1,115 litres, making it amazing for long journeys. Adding convenience for those long journeys are intermittent wipers and a power socket to help power your electronic devices.
 

The segment defying continues

Prepare to be amazed. There’s more in the Renault Kwid that defies the segment it is in. First you use the remote keyless entry for access into the Renault Kwid. Then what you can’t miss is the innovative and easy-to-read digital instrument cluster that looks cool and functions really well. The on-board trip computer provides valuable information like average fuel consumption, distance to empty, average speed and more. The gear shift indicator helps you time your shifts in order to get maximum fuel efficiency.

When you’re on the road, the state-of-the-art, user-friendly MediaNAV multimedia and navigation system that features a first-in-class seven-inch touchscreen display provides a world of convenience. It features navigation, turn by turn guidance, Bluetooth audio streaming, hands-free telephony, USB and AUX input ports and speed-sensing volume control. It also comes with two-front speakers that provide enough oomph for you to enjoy your tunes.

And remember, all of this in a mini hatchback segment car. This is most definitely a small car that makes a big statement. The Renault Kwid is a car that has been designed for more.

Does it pass the test?

In a word, yes. The Renault Kwid has got more than what it needs to make it in this segment. Even when it’s put to the test, it clearly stands apart in its segment. Want proof? Check out some excerpts from its review.

"Its silhouette is almost identical to the Duster’s – the bluff front end, square sides and even the bulging wheel arches. And for a budget car, it’s got loads of nice-looking details. There’s the macho-looking grille, the detailed headlamps, the sculpted bonnet, the large fog lamp enclosures, the elegant tail-lamps and, of course, loads of black plastic cladding around the bodywork. But it doesn’t stop there – the ground clearance is a considerable 180mm, and though they’re small on paper, the 155/80 tyres and 13-inch wheels actually look pretty good.”

"There are a few segment-defying things in the Kwid’s cabin. The first is the digital speedometer, which not only looks cool but functions well too... Then there’s the very un-budget chunky steering wheel and gearlever... What they will like are the indicator and wiper stalks that, unlike other Renaults, are on the ‘Indian’ side of the steering wheel. But most of all, it’s the touchscreen infotainment system, with navigation, from the Duster. That’s unheard of in bigger hatchbacks, so it’s really great to see it offered here.”

"The dash design is contemporary and not overdone, and the grey shade may be dull but it’s livened up by a glossy black centre console with a chrome border.”

"Space – that’s where the Renault Kwid really sets itself apart from the budget herd. Its exterior dimensions give it away, most notably the 2,422mm wheelbase. The front seats are surprisingly supportive and comfy and your view out is of a long. flat bonnet, like a proper SUV. The rear has a good amount of head, knee and shoulder room for two, and three in a pinch. The seat back angle is well judged too... The 300-litre boot is big enough for cars two segments above...”
 

"The really interesting number is the 25.17kpl ARAI-rated fuel economy that’s helped by the light kerb weight, which makes it the most fuel-efficient petrol car in India.”

     "  ...we feel the performance is more than adequate by the 800cc segment standards.”

"Renault cars always ride well, and amazingly, that’s not something that’s been compromised on even for this budget car. The suspension feels really well judged and consequently, makes the whole car feel more solidly put together on the move.”

"But by class standards, it’s superb. There’s even an impressive lack of body roll and the Kwid will remain composed even if you try to drive it like a Renault rally car.”

"More importantly, though, it’s got the essentials – space, comfort and practicality – just spot on and in many ways, sets new benchmarks for the segment.”

"...if people give it a chance, they’ll find a pretty impressive product in the Kwid, and with looks like that and a sub-Rs 4 lakh price tag, it is sure to make not just customers, but also the competition sit up and take notice.”