Post the humongous success story of the Duster compact SUV in the initial stages, it was only the Kwid which gave a push to Renault’s journey in the Indian market. With its butch styling reminiscent of that of SUVs, the entry-level hatchback became a popular sight on the Indian roads, considering the fact that how much Indians do love SUVs.
Initially launched with a 0.8-litre engine and then a 1.0-litre engine at a later stage, the Renault Kwid has got its first major update after almost four years of its launch. Renault has done a tremendous job in upgrading the Kwid.
As expected, Renault has retained both the three-cylinder engine options – 0.8-litre (54 PS/72 Nm) and 1.0-litre (68 PS/91 Nm). While both the engines are available with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard, the 1.0-litre mill is offered with an optional 5-speed AMT as well.
As far as variants bifurcation of the new Renault Kwid is concerned, the funky-looking hatchback is offered in a total of five variants – Standard, RXE, RXL, RXT and Climber. The 0.8-litre version is offered in all the aforementioned variants except Climber, while the 1.0-litre version is offered only in the RXT and Climber trims, with both the latter variants getting the optional AMT gearbox as well.
Also, Renault has rejigged the paint schemes for the new Kwid. While the Standard and RXE variants are available only in Ice Cool White and Moonlight Silver, the RXL, RXT and Climber variants get additional Zanskar Blue, Fiery Red and Outback Bronze. In addition, there's a Climber variant available in a special Electric Blue colour.
Renault Kwid Standard
With a starting price of INR 2.83 lakh*, the Renault Kwid Standard gets a few essentials which do not make it feel that it is a ‘car of compromises’. Despite being an entry-level variant, the Kwid Standard is equipped with body-coloured bumpers, LED daytime running lamps, LED inserts in tail lights, integrated rear roof spoiler, 14-inch wheels, wheel arch cladding, rear door child lock, heater, closed glove box, fully digital instrument console with tachometer, trip computer and gear shift indicator, driver airbag, ABS with EBD, lane change indicator, bottle holders and map pockets in front doors, sliding and reclining front seats and overspeeding and front seat belt reminders.
Renault Kwid RXE
Compared to the totally bare-bones Standard variant, the RXE variant comes with a few more add-ons like air conditioner, foldable backrests in rear seats, sunvisor for co-driver side, front two speakers and antenna. However, the crucial feature of power steering is still missing, which makes this variant considerable only if you are too tight on your budget. The Kwid RXE has been priced at INR 3.53 lakh*.
Renault Kwid RXL
The Renault Kwid RXL is the one which is worth considering for, as it is equipped with the bare basic essentials of modern world motoring, including power steering. Priced at INR 3.83 lakh*, it carries a premium of just INR 30,000 over the RXE variant. However, for this small price difference, it does pack in a lot of feel-good bits like two-tone glossy outside rearview mirrors, silver-coloured full wheel covers, front power windows, cabin light with theatre dimming, a 12V power socket, remote keyless entry with central locking and 1-DIN audio system with radio, USB, Aux-in and bluetooth compatibility, which makes it definitely worth the premium it asks for.
Renault Kwid RXT
The RXT trim was the variant which used to bring a major chunk of volumes for the Renault Kwid, and will continue to do so in this newer avatar as well. Along with all the features of the RXL variant, the Renault Kwid RXT is bestowed with few more features like an all-new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with voice recognition, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, reverse parking camera with guidelines, chrome inserts in front grille, steering wheel, parking brake lever, AC vents, AC controls and inner door handles, piano black finished centre console, rear parcel tray, additional 12V socket at rear and a fast USB mobile charger.
In addition, the RXT trim with the 1.0-litre engine comes with a couple of more features like passenger airbag, rear power windows, blackened B-pillar and dark metal finished full wheel caps. The Renault Kwid RXT costs INR 4.13 lakh* (0.8-litre engine-MT)/INR 4.33 lakh* (1.0-litre engine-MT)/INR 4.63 lakh* (1.0-litre engine/ AMT).
Renault Kwid Climber
This top-end variant of the Renault Kwid brings some cosmetic add-ons to make the car look even more butch-looking and fancier with enhanced visual appeal. Priced at INR 4.54 lakh* for the MT variant and INR 4.84 lakh* for the one with AMT, the Renault Kwid Climber is offered only with the 1.0-litre engine.
Apart from packing extra features like roof rails, rear centre armrest, front and rear silver skid plates and 14-inch grey alloy wheels, the Renault Kwid Climber comes with orange coloured highlights on the outside rear view mirrors, roof rails, skid plates, headlamp protectors, seats, gear knob and the infotainment system.
The Renault Kwid competes with not only the Datsun Redigo but also the newly launched Maruti S-Presso.
