Renault Kwid

With its SUV-inspired styling, digital dials and touchscreen infotainment system, the Renault Kwid has successfully established that a budget hatchback need not be a basic hatchback. The compact Renault is available with two petrol engine options, the larger of which can also be had with AMT. Climber editions wear bolder colours and sport trendy detailing on the inside. 2019's update added a standard driver's airbag as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality for touchscreen-equipped versions.

With its SUV-inspired styling, digital dials and touchscreen infotainment system, the Renault Kwid has successfully e...

With its SUV-inspired styling, digital dials and touchscreen infotainment system, the Renault Kwid has successfully established that a budget hatchback need not be a basic hatchback. The compact Renault is available with two petrol engine options, the larger of which can also be had with AMT. Climber editions wear bolder colours and sport trendy detailing on the inside. 2019's update added a standard driver's airbag as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality for touchscreen-equipped versions.

The mini-Duster looks go a long way in making the Kwid stand out. On the inside, the digital speedometer and 7.0-inch touchscreen make the cabin look in with the times. Quality, however, is average and the build is expectantly light. The Kwid does offer fairly good space as far as budget hatchbacks go, and the 300-litre boot is usefully large.
Of the engines, the entry-level 54hp, 0.8-litre petrol unit offers very average performance. The sprightlier 68hp, 1.0-litre Kwid is easily the better car to drive. The manuals’ clutch and gearbox are light while the 1.0 AMT auto works as an automatic on a budget. Like other AMTs, the Renault unit responds best to gentle throttle inputs. Creep mode helps in crawling traffic but there’s no manual mode option like other AMTs. The Kwid is easy to steer and park, and ride quality is impressive for this class of car.

The mini-Duster looks go a long way in making the Kwid stand out. On the inside, the digital speedometer and 7.0-inch...

The mini-Duster looks go a long way in making the Kwid stand out. On the inside, the digital speedometer and 7.0-inch touchscreen make the cabin look in with the times. Quality, however, is average and the build is expectantly light. The Kwid does offer fairly good space as far as budget hatchbacks go, and the 300-litre boot is usefully large.
Of the engines, the entry-level 54hp, 0.8-litre petrol unit offers very average performance. The sprightlier 68hp, 1.0-litre Kwid is easily the better car to drive. The manuals’ clutch and gearbox are light while the 1.0 AMT auto works as an automatic on a budget. Like other AMTs, the Renault unit responds best to gentle throttle inputs. Creep mode helps in crawling traffic but there’s no manual mode option like other AMTs. The Kwid is easy to steer and park, and ride quality is impressive for this class of car.

Given the engine’s lack of power and irritating flat spots across the rev range, the Kwid 0.8 should only be an option if you are on a very tight budget. The Kwid 1.0 is much nicer and allied with the AMT gearbox makes for a convenient city runabout. Of the two AMT variants on sale, the more affordable RxT is the one to buy. In addition to the features already mentioned, it goes further up on its rivals by offering a reverse camera.

Given the engine’s lack of power and irritating flat spots across the rev range, the Kwid 0.8 should only be an optio...

Given the engine’s lack of power and irritating flat spots across the rev range, the Kwid 0.8 should only be an option if you are on a very tight budget. The Kwid 1.0 is much nicer and allied with the AMT gearbox makes for a convenient city runabout. Of the two AMT variants on sale, the more affordable RxT is the one to buy. In addition to the features already mentioned, it goes further up on its rivals by offering a reverse camera.