French automaker Renault’s budget offering, Kwid (now in BS6 format) is quite popular on the Indian market. Ex-showroom prices start at Rs 2.94 lakh for its base 800cc ‘Std’ manual variant and cross Rs 5 lakh for the 1.0-litre Climber (O) AMT version. It was only recently that Renault India launched the mid-spec Kwid RXL trim in both BS6 manual and AMT choices.
Here’s an interesting spec Renault Kwid example from South Africa, shared by @jabu.masebeni on Facebook. It sports larger five-spoke alloy wheels, low-profile tyres, custom satin blue wrap, Rockford Fosgate audio (takes up considerable luggage space), etc., alongside other subtle upgrades.
However, the biggest addition is the soft-top panoramic sunroof. The aftermarket sunroof gets a wind deflector as well. One could point out that the mods would substantially affect the dynamics and structural rigidity of the car. Below is a short walkaround video of the modified Renault Kwid.
The pre-facelift Renault Kwid follows a blacked-out theme and arguably looks better than its stock avatar. Renault of South Africa has already introduced the latest version of the budget hatchback. It is offered in three formats: Expression, Dynamique and Climber. The base Renault Kwid Expression comes at an ex-showroom starting price of 144,800 South African Rand or roughly Rs 6.58 Indian Rupee.
The Indian-spec Renault Kwid BS6 comes with two three-cylinder NA petrol engine options: 800cc (5-speed manual) and 1.0-litre (5-speed manual/AMT). The former makes 54bhp @ 5,680rpm and 72Nm @ 4,390rpm while the latter is good for 67bhp @ 5,500rpm and 91Nm @ 4,250rpm. Renault sells the Kwid in several emerging markets across the globe, including South Africa.
Both the Indian- and SA-spec Renault Kwid are almost identical in terms of features. Notable highlights include LED DRLs, 8.0-inch MediaNav Evolution touchscreen infotainment system (packs Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice commands & video playback), digital instrument console, gear-shift indicator, reverse parking camera with guidelines; rear parking sensors, dual airbags, rotary knob gear selector (for AMT), various connectivity options and more.
On the other hand, there is only one engine option — the familiar 1.0-litre three-cylinder motor in the exact state of tune. This is available coupled to either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed Easy-R AMT.
Meanwhile, the company is readying its all-new Kiger subcompact crossover. It is based on a revised CMF-A+ architecture, unlike the Kwid’s CMF-A platform. Combined with the success of the Triber sub-four-metre mini-MPV, Renault India will soon have a strong three-product portfolio in the budget segment.
This post was last modified on July 30, 2020 7:11 am