The most competitive end of the automotive market is the A-segment constituting of the smallest car hatchback segment. Till now, the Indian market has been dominated by Maruti Alto, Hyundai Eon and Datsun Go. Breaking through this segment isn’t easy, where in spite of volumes in sales, the values are very low. However there has been a new entry in this segment in the form of Renault Kwid. Luxuries, Comfort, Adventure and Excitement – all these and more have been packed into Renault Kwid.
But Renault Kwid comes with a difference. Kwid may be in the A-segment price wise, but it is not a hatchback. It is a compact car aping to be an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle). With the Indian market slowly inclining towards SUV, this new line of Kwid is sure to create a ripple in the automotive market in India.
The Engine
- Renault KWID is powered by a brand new, state-of-the-art compact engine with advanced technology for accurate air to fuel ratio monitoring.
- Plastic has been extensively used in components like the oil sump to reduce the weight.
- This 799cc motor from the BR family of Renault engines makes 54PS@5,678rpm and 74Nm@4,386rpm.
- This petrol engine has a dual overhead cam architecture with a 4-valve per cylinder valve train.
- The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, also all new.
- A knock sensor automatically adjusts spark advance to fuel quality to help deliver optimised performance.
- The fuel efficiency is claimed to be a class leading 25.17kmpl.
The Design
Kwid comes with the promise of robust strength and dynamic performance. The design of the high stance, similar to that of an SUV with greater visibility, is perfect for both urban traffic and open highways. Developed with inputs from France, Japan, Korea and predominantly India, Kwid’s internal equipment was developed and tested in Korea, endurance and durability was tested in France and electronics were tested in Japan, while the body and chassis were tested here in India. The headlamps are big bold units and are coupled to the indicators that are housed in the same casing. The large Renault lozenge sits in the centre of the bonnet and has the two-piece chain link grille as its background. The bonnet has a power bulge to it. The sides also look sculpted with muscular haunches and protective plastic cladding on the wheel arches, giving it an aggressive personality. A global car in the truest sense, Renault Kwid stands tall and proud and is ready to roll out of the plant onto the road.
The Interior
The dashboard is in uncluttered and simplistic, thus ensuring ample space. With a chrome bezel centre console, Renault Kwid comes with a state-of-the-art, user-friendly MediaNAV multimedia and navigation system. Telephony is available through Bluetooth and navigation. It’s surrounded on the top and bottom by the air-convents and dials respectively. The instrument binnacle is of a digital type and displays everything needed except for a tachometer, which is entirely absent. At the left of the centre console is a three stack storage area or three glove boxes stacked one above the other. The passenger side airbag is not available though a driver airbag is offered as an option.
Ride and Handling
Renault Kwid weighs just 660 kg. It is the lightest car in the segment. Though questions are being raised about the safety element, Renault claims that it is safe with a crash structure strong enough to avert most incidents, and meets all the Indian norms. Kwid has an accurate electric powered steering and comfortable to navigate. The brakes are also adequate.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that Renault Kwid comes with a very dynamic variation, at a perfect time when the market is leaning towards SUVs. With a starting price at Rs. 2,56,968, it would be a perfect choice for those who have been waiting long to own a car. However, before you decide, go and test drive the car to make sure that it is right for you.
