2020 Renault Kwid - Is This Hatchback Worth Your Money?

Launched in 2015, Renault Kwid was the first car to integrate the SUV traits into hatchback body type, setting the trend for SUV-ish hatchback. This combination receives positive feedback from the Indian customers and created a new crave in the market. Owing to its rugged look and competitive price, from the beginning, Renault Kwid has attracted a lot of customers. Nevertheless, its unique selling point slowly loses its appeal, and the sales start to go downhill. To regain its previous position in the market, Renault has tried to update and enhance the Renault Kwid to better compete in the entry-level hatchback segment.  Last year, Renault Kwid has introduced the latest version of the Kwid with some comprehensive cosmetic and mechanic updates. Earlier this year, the Kwid has received a BSVI update ahead of the implementation of the new emission norms.

Renault Kwid is the first car to introduce the SUV-inspired styling to the entry-level hatchback segment

Currently, Renault is offering in five variants, base RXE, RXL, RXT and the top-spec Climber. The top-of-the-line Renault Kwid Climber was added at the later stage as a special edition with sporty design and tuned performance.

Renault Kwid360 View: Exterior Review

Renault Kwid was widely recognized for its SUV-ish look. The combination of the SUV look and the hatchback form has gained great interest from the entry-level segment buyers. After the launch of the Kwid, other car manufacturers also follow this tried-and-succeeded formula to create other SUV-inspired hatchbacks. Even though this signature style is no longer one-of-a-kind in the domestic market, the Renault Kwid is still the original trendsetter and Renault always knows how to integrate the SUV gene into a hatchback. The latest updates provided last year has transformed the design Renault Kwid to a new level.

Front View

The fascia of the Renault Kwid was comprehensively refreshed. From the front end, the SUV-inspired hatchback sports a new split headlight setting which is currently on trend on the SUV space. The new headlight set-up comprised of upper thin, modern-looking LED DRLs and separate headlights below. Additionally, the Climber’s headlight housing will be adorned with orange inserts. It is noteworthy that the LED DRLs are provided as a standard feature on the Kwid. The front grille is also revised with horizontal slat pattern and chrome elements. Compared to the previous design, the underneath skid plate is simplified and looks less dominant. It is clear that Renault has done a extensive update for the new front design that marks a clear transition from the past styling.

Renault Kwid Climber has an aggressive front end 

Side view

From the side profile, there is barely any significant update. It retains the same black cladding on the side and around the wheel arches. The wheel design is identical with that from the pre-facelift version except for the size upgrade. In replacement for the 13-inch wheels, the new Renault Kwid now gets 14-inches wheelset offered as standard across the range. This minor update has subtly increased the stance for this SUVish hatchback.

The side profile receives some subtle updates

Rearview

The styling of the rear end is identical to the previous design with no major update. The only new feature added to the facelift is the new LED guide light.

Renault Kwid Dimensions: Length, Width, Height & More

Looking at the new dimension specs, it is noticeable that the facelift Renault Kwid is now available with an extended length of 3,731 mm against the previous 3,679 mm while the width and height see no changes, remaining at 1579 mm and 1478 mm respectively. The wheelbase stays the same.

Renault KwidDesign: Interior Review

On the side, it is clear that Renault has extensively upgraded the interior design of the new Kwid which is not frequently seen in a facelift version. The first thing might get your attention after entering the cabin is the rearranged dashboard layout for the central console and a new larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The AC control panel is moved to the lower part of the console while the controls of power widow are pushed to the upper side. In addition, a new digital instrument cluster with brand new interfere also makes its way to the facelifted Kwid. On the automatic version the selector knob is replaced to the console between the two front seats. Together, these updates have transformed the interior to look more upmarket and more refined.

Seating capacity

With regard to the space inside the new Renault Kwid, it appears that the Kwid carries forward the same seating setting with no significant update. On the front seat, the driver can have a broad view of the road ahead thanks to the high seating. The side and under-thigh support with firm cushioning is also a bonus point for the front seats. Moving to the rear seats, occupants with average height will be happy with decent headroom and legroom. However, for taller passengers, it might feel a bit cramped. Due to low seating, occupants of the rear row will have to sit with the knee pointing up which is not comfortable in a long-distance drive. On the bright side, Renault Kwid is offering rear centre armrest which cannot be found in any car of its class.

Safety Features

On the safety front, facelifted Renault Kwid will be equipped with ABS, driver airbags, reverse parking sensor and speed warning system along with seatbelt reminder as per the latest safety regulation. The front passenger airbag is available as an optional feature on the RXT and Climber variant.

Comfort Features

In terms of the comfort features, Renault Kwid will not let you down. This hatchback has always been known for its generous, feature-rich interior. On the facelift version, you will see even more comfortable and well-equipped cabin. On the top-spec Climber, the Kwid comes with front power window, remote central locking as well as power steering and 8-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. Additionally, the rear seats will get a 12V charger.

It is worth noticing that the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is not only bigger but also enhanced with revised interfere. This unit comes with Apple Carplay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity.

About the storage space, the Renault Kwid gets an upsized glovebox under the dashboard. However, the rear passenger does away with no space for storage. Unfortunately, the boot space has now downsized from 300 litres to 279 litres.

Renault Kwid Performance: Engine Review

Renault Kwid comes with two engine options, 0.8-litre petrol and a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine. While the former is good for 54 PS and 72 Nm, the later is later powerful enough to put out a top power of 68 PS and maximum torque of 91 Nm. The smaller engine is exclusively mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. On the other hand, the bigger 1.0-litre engine will be offered with either a standard 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT.

Thanks to the small dimension, Renault Kwid is easy to manoeuvre in the city traffic. Between the two engine options, the larger 1.0-litre petrol motor seems to provide better performance with higher power output. At the low speed, the engine feels stack and under-powered and it is slow to build up speed. When driving around the city, it might require a lot of downshifting to perform overtaking. At mid-range, the power delivery is linear. One problem with the Kwid is that the engine noise is audible even inside the cabin. The manual version gets a light clutch and medium length throw, making gear-shifting effortless.

Command Attention In The All-New #RenaultKWID

The ground clearance increase and adoption of wider 165/70 R14 tyres show some small improvement in the driving performance. The suspension does a good job at bad roads and the ride quality is decent. Thanks to the wider tyres, the Kwid is now handling corning in a more confident manner. However, it would have done better with improved noise insulation and firmer steering at high speed.

Renault Kwid Mileage: Is it fuel economy?

Each powertrain option provided on Renault Kwid features a different fuel efficiency rate. The 0.8-litre petrol-manual combination is claimed to return a fuel mileage of 22.7 kmpl. The bigger engine, if mated to the manual gearbox, can deliver an ARAI mileage of 21.7 kmpl. The automatic version, on other hand, seems to be more fuel-efficient with the fuel economy rate of 22.5 kmpl.

Renault Kwid Cost: Is it Affordable?

Renault Kwid is priced at Rs 2.92 lakh for the base variant which is offered with very basic offerings. At this price, the base Renault Kwid undercuts most of the cars in this segment, providing a very low-price option for car buyers with a small budget. The top-spec model Renault Kwid Climber is available at Rs 5.01 lakh.

Renault Kwid Colours: How many Options?

Renault Kwid is offered in six colour options including Electric Blue, Fiery Red, Moonlight Silver and Zanskar Blue, Outback Bronze and Cool White.

Verdict: Is Renault Kwid worth buying?

Renault Kwid is competitively-priced and a value-for-money model, making it an attractive option for buyers with low budget. For such an affordable price, the Renault Kwid gives you a package of good-looking styling, a well-equipped cabin and decent performance.