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Can Renault Kwid Earn The Title Of The "Best Entry-Level Hatchback"?
The all-new Renault Kwid launched in India at an introductory price of Rs. 2.56 lakh onward. Since then, the Kwid has been the big news of the auto industry. There is talk in the auto world of the Renault Kwid being sold at a loss in order to compete with Maruti Suzuki's popular Alto. This could mean—the Kwid isn't just another ordinary car for the A-segment.
The A-segment is a classification of cars, which comprises mini cars priced below Rs. 4 lakh in the Indian market; cars such as Maruti Alto, Chevrolet Spark, Tata Nano, Hyundai Eon, and Datsun GO make up this segment. The mini car segment accounts for 25 per cent of the total car sales volume in India.
The secret behind the smart pricing of the Renault Kwid is its localisation. About 98% of the Kwid is localised and manufactured at the Renault-Nissan alliance plant in Chennai. This makes the Kwid the highest localised car by an auto manufacturer in India, at the time of launch. Renault has invested a massive Rs. 3000 crore for the development of the Kwid. However hefty the investment, it remains to be seen whether the Kwid will be welcomed by Indian customers. Another cliffhanger of a question asks if Renault has offered enough on the Kwid, to earn the title of the "best entry-level hatchback" in India.
Design
The Kwid is a city car, which is based on the Renault-Nissan's CMF-A platform. CMF stands for Common Module Family and CMF-A represents the smallest and most affordable category of vehicles in the family. The Kwid's SUV-inspired Renault Duster-like design was rendered at Renault's design studios in Mumbai and Chennai and is targeted at the younger generation.
This design offers a high driving position and greater visibility, making it ideal for driving through the increasing traffic congestions on Indian roads. The chain-link-like structured grille, headlamps, coupled with the turn indicators; stylish fog lamps, and integrated roof spoiler makes the Kwid the best-looking kid in class.
Interior
At this compelling price point, we expected interiors with high cost cutting efforts; however, the Kwid's interior is just as impressive as its exterior styling. The interior is well laid out without neglecting everyday needs such as, a four-way adjustable driver seat, smart storage spaces like the centre console with bottle holders, a three-tiered glove box, and a power socket to charge your phone. The front seats are well bolstered, and there is ample front leg room and rear knee room. The rear bench has a good reclining angle and can seat three average-built Indians.
The dashboard is thankfully uncluttered. The centrally positioned MediaNAV system with a first-in-class seven-inch touchscreen display (derived from the Duster) provides the Kwid with a sophisticated edge. Such features are usually only associated with high-end segment cars. On the flipside, cost cutting is quite evident with the non-retractable seat belts, the absence of power windows (rear), the centre-mounted front window switches, and a tacky glove box. Despite these niggling little details, overall, at this price point, the Kwid's interior is comfortable and convenient.
Engine & Gearbox
The standard engine, an 800cc, three-cylinder, 12-valve all-aluminium petrol engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The SCe (Smart Control Efficiency) engine has been specially developed for the Kwid. For now, only this engine combination is on offer; however, the Kwid will soon get an automatic transmission, and maybe an AMT (automated manual transmission) variant as well. Stay tuned to Drivespark for updates on when that is made available.
Mileage & Drivability
The Kwid weighs only 669kg and at a length of 3,679mm, width of 1,579mm and height of 1,478mm, this hatchback is taller, longer and wider than its competition. These dimensions and vehicle weight makes the Kwid a good drivable car.
The power-to-weight-ratio is about 84hp/ tonne, and an efficient throttle response at lower speeds along with light steering makes the Kwid a fun car to drive. Even though the Kwid has a tall ride height and skinny 13-inch wheels, the body roll is well under control. The power delivery is smooth and linear, and the handling is fit for quick urban driving. On the highway though, the Kwid is quite a lazy bone.
The clutch pedal is light and gearbox shifts are smooth at lower speeds; however, we think it needs a bit more assistance during some spirited driving. The braking and suspension are satisfactory and it soaks up potholes rather well. On the mileage front, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) mileage figure is 25.17 km/l, which makes it the most fuel-efficient petrol car in the country today.
Safety
Safety has always been a point of debate with car buyers. While some complain of not enough safety options, others concern themselves with other features more. Renault has addressed the safety aspect by providing an optional driver airbag on the top-end (RXT) trim. The Kwid is designed for the world market—Brazil and Europe. The car has been built and developed to meet current and future Indian crash test regulations.
Pricing
and
models
Entry-level
variant
of
the
all-new
Kwid
is
available
at
an
introductory
price
of
INR
2.56
lakh
ex-showroom
(Delhi).
The
variants
are
available
for
booking
across
four
trims
(STD,
RXE,
RXL,
and
RXT)
with
a
standard
engine
and
five
colours.
Click here for the on-road price of the Renault Kwid in your city
The Good
–
Roomy
interior
–
Fuel-efficient
engine
–
Remote
keyless
entry
–
Excellent
road
presence
–
Driver
airbag
in
RXT
variant
–
Good
exterior/interior
styling
–
Ground
clearance
of
180mm
–
Warranty*
2
years/
50,000
km
–
Best-in-class
ride
and
handling
–
Best-in-class
boot
space
(300-litre)
–
First-in-class
seven-inch
touchscreen
display
–
On-board
trip
computer
(provides
information
such
as
fuel
consumption,
distance
to
empty
and
more)
*Warranty can be extended to 3 years/ 60,000 km or 4 years/ 80,000 km.
The Bad
–
Plastic
wing
mirrors
–
Absence
of
a
tachometer
(RPM
gauge)
–
Noise,
vibration,
and
harshness
(NVH)
in
lower
gears
–
Absence
of
steering
wheel
rake
adjustment
on
the
top-end
model
Bottom Line—Will the Kwid "Drive the Change" for Renault India?
Renault India has recorded a worrying 52% decline in the August 2015 sales. This decline is despite a 3.3% increase in the passenger vehicle sales. Renault's new Kwid on the block could just be what the doctor ordered to ward off challenges from Maruti and Hyundai. For us, the Kwid is modernistic, innovative, affordable, and trumps the Maruti Alto 800 on all counts. India, my darling, what is your take?
The Renault Kwid captured in pictures:
Also Read: Maruti Alto 800 vs Renault Kwid Comparison