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 facelift has brought revised styling, a refreshed cabin and more features.

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 facelift has brought revised styling, a refreshed cabin and more features.

The mini-Duster looks go a long way in making the Kwid stand out. The refreshed face with its split headlamp set up is in keeping with latest trends while the new LED detailing on the tail lights is a premium touch. On the inside, the new part-digital speedometer and 8.0-inch touchscreen make the cabin look relatively upmarket too. Quality, however, is average and the build is expectantly light. The Kwid does offer fairly good space as far as budget hatchbacks go, though the rear seat is best suited to two passengers. The Kwid's cabin is also well thought-out and practical while the 270-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 well 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. What also comes handy is the Kwid's generous 184mm of ground clearance.

The mini-Duster looks go a long way in making the Kwid stand out. The refreshed face with its split headlamp set up i...

The mini-Duster looks go a long way in making the Kwid stand out. The refreshed face with its split headlamp set up is in keeping with latest trends while the new LED detailing on the tail lights is a premium touch. On the inside, the new part-digital speedometer and 8.0-inch touchscreen make the cabin look relatively upmarket too. Quality, however, is average and the build is expectantly light. The Kwid does offer fairly good space as far as budget hatchbacks go, though the rear seat is best suited to two passengers. The Kwid's cabin is also well thought-out and practical while the 270-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 well 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. What also comes handy is the Kwid's generous 184mm of ground clearance.