Renault launches Kwid hatchback; will it be a game changer?

ZEEGNITION / Ishaan Rastogi

Renault has launched its highly anticipated Kwid compact hatch which has been designed to look like an SUV. Based on Renault’s international CMF-A platform, the Kwid has been priced between Rs 2.57 – 3.53 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

After Ford having successfully launched the new-look Figo hatchback, Renault joins the party by announcing the launch of what could be a game-changing entry-level hatchback called the Kwid. The Kwid is a tall and muscular looking compact city hatch that will compete with the likes of the Maruti-Suzuki Alto 800 and Hyundai Eon.

The Kwid is equipped with a highly efficient 799cc, 3-cylinder petrol engine with an ARAI claimed fuel efficiency figure of 25.17kmpl. The engine produces 54PS of power and 72Nm of torque which doesn’t seem like a lot but when you consider the fact that it weighs only 660kgs, it does have one of the best power-to-weight ratios in its segment. The engine is mated to a smooth 5 speed manual transmission gearbox and makes for a good drive within city limits but it does tend to struggle at higher speeds. The car doesn’t handle big bumps particularly well owing to its lightweight structure but the suspension has been sprung well enough to absorb standard bumps and potholes with great ease. The 13-inch wheels are quite small and do result in moderate understeer but at the end of the day, the car has been tuned for mileage above anything else and in terms of handling, is at par with the competition.

In fact, the engineers went to great lengths to reduce its weight in order for the titchy 3-cylinder engine to work well with the package. The wheels only have three nuts and the combined total weight of all the screws in the car amounts to a mere 8kgs compared to an industry average of around 20kgs. Additionally, the engine block is made of aluminium and some of its parts like the oil pan and intake manifold have been made of plastic to save weight. However don’t get me wrong, none of these aspects have resulted in the car being built poorly. On the contrary, the Kwid has been put together really well. The fit and finish of its insides are of a tall order with sturdy knobs and switches, a swish piano black finish central console and a nifty navigation integrated touchscreen infotainment system which is a segment first.

Besides being one of the most feature laden cars in its class, one of the Kwid’s most commendable traits is its fabulous packaging. The interiors are roomy with ample space in the rear to seat three average sized adults with good room for your head, shoulders and knees. And despite having a lot of space for its occupants, the engineers have even managed to fit in a 300 litre boot which gives you ample room to pack in all your luggage for a weekend drive. And what really works in its favour that all this space is confined by a very good looking exterior shell. Thanks to several styling elements borrowed from SUVs, the Kwid has a large front bumper and grille, tall stance and muscular wheel arches accented by a high shoulder line. Additionally, the well-proportioned use of black cladding all around accentuates its macho look. The tiny wheels do make it seem larger than it actually is but it most definitely is the biggest car in its segment. To put things into perspective, despite being an entry level hatchback, the Kwid’s boot is larger than the more premium and expensive Hyundai i20 Elite!

Renault has done a fantastic job by exhibiting all that it’s learnt from the Indian market in this perfect little package. Whether or not it strikes a chord with the consumers waits to be seen. But the signs are ominous for the Kwid’s biggest competitor, the Maruti-Suzuki Alto 800, especially considering the Kwid’s killer pricing thanks to a high localisation percentage of 98 per cent making it fantastic value for money. Expect this car to take the market by storm. Variant specific introductory prices for the Renault Kwid are mentioned below. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.

Renault Kwid STD: Rs 2,56,968

Renault Kwid RXE: Rs 2,88,960

Renault Kwid RXE (O): Rs 2,94,960

Renault Kwid RXL: Rs 3,11,664

Renault Kwid RXT: Rs 3,44,131

Renault Kwid RXT (O): Rs 3,53,131