Renault gave the Kwid a comprehensive facelift back in 2019. Three years later, the hatchback received a few cosmetic tweaks and new paint options. The 2026 Renault Kwid comes with yet another lifecycle update, albeit a minor one. It remains Renault’s most affordable car in India, and its closest rivals are the Maruti Alto K10 and Maruti S-Presso. Let’s now look at what’s new with the 2026 Renault Kwid compared to its predecessor.
Renault Kwid new vs old: Exterior design
There are only a couple of noticeable changes on the outside.
Compared to the previous model, the 2026 Kwid’s exterior is more or less unchanged in overall design and silhouette. The sleek upper LED lighting element and the large bumper-integrated headlamp housing have been carried forward, along with the faux front diffuser. The only difference at the front now is the new Renault logo.
Along the sides, the 2026 Kwid mostly looks the same as the previous model. However, Renault has given it a new two-tone wheel cover design, which also features the brand’s new logo. Other details such as the roof bars, ‘Climber’ lettering (in the top trim) and black lower-body cladding have been carried over. Like at the front, a design difference at the rear is the new Renault logo. The ‘Kwid’ lettering on the tailgate is new as well. However, the tail-lamps, rear static reflectors and bumper are the same as before.
Renault Kwid new vs old: Interior design
There’s only one perceivable change inside the 2026 Kwid.
Stepping inside, the most noticeable change on the new Kwid is the steering wheel. Not only does it have a new design, but it also gets the latest Renault logo found in the brand’s other models on sale in India. The rest of the interior of the 2026 Kwid is nearly identical to that of the previous model. This means that there’s the same 8.0-inch infotainment head unit with a physical knob and button, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a monochrome digital driver’s display, manual AC controls and a few buttons on the dashboard.
The two-tone gear lever for the top-spec Climber manual variant and the rotary gear selector for the AMT variant remain unchanged. The new Kwid also has the same grey seat upholstery with contrasting yellow highlights as the old car. On the practicality front, things are likely to be similar as well, given that the storage cubbies haven’t been changed in any major way. Space for occupants is also likely to be identical to that of the old Kwid as there haven’t been any mechanical modifications. Similarly, the 279-litre boot of the Kwid remains as is.
Renault Kwid new vs old: Engine and gearbox
There have been no mechanical changes with this update.
Under the bonnet, the 2026 Renault Kwid soldiers on with the same 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine as its predecessor. This three-cylinder mill is rated at 69hp and 92.5Nm and can be had with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). Unlike its predecessor, which was offered in four trim levels, the 2026 Kwid is available in only two trims – Evolution and Climber. Prices range between Rs 4.53 lakh and Rs 5.61 lakh (ex-showroom, India). This means that the 2026 Evolution MT and AMT variants are now cheaper by Rs 13,500 and Rs 10,000, respectively. Meanwhile, the Climber MT and AMT variants have become more affordable by Rs 32,000 and Rs 27,200, respectively.
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
Saptarshi Mondal
