Renault has launched its new small hatchback the Kwid in India. Pricing for the Kwid starts at a very aggressive 2.57 lakh for the base variant, going up to Rs 3.53 lakh for the top-spec trim that comes with touchscreen infotainment and a driver airbag.
Unlike its immediate rivals, the Renault Kwid looks more like a crossover than a hatchback with its high bonnet and waistline, and ground clearance of 180mm. However, competing against the likes of the popular Maruti Alto 800 and the Hyundai Eon won’t be an easy task, considering their brand value and widespread dealer network. With respect to the basic technical details, this is how the Kwid fares against the Alto 800 and the Eon on paper.
Under the hood
The Renault Kwid is powered by a 799cc three-cylinder petrol engine. This motor makes a maximum of 53.2bhp and 7.3kgm of torque and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
The Maruti Alto 800 gets driven by a 796cc engine which is good for 47bhp and 7.03kgm of torque and comes with a five-speed manual transmission.
In comparison, the Hyundai Eon's 814cc engine makes peak power of 54bhp and 7.6kgm of torque and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
| Engine specifications | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Renault Kwid | Maruti Alto 800 | Hyundai Eon | |
| Displacement | 799cc | 796cc | 814cc |
| No. of cylinders | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Power | 53.2bhp | 47bhp | 54bhp |
| Torque | 7.3kgm | 7.03kgm | 7.6kgm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
