DEAL MAKER - Renault Kwid
Renault’s high-riding hot-seller now gains some much needed safety kit
With over 20,000 Kwids sold, the little compact car has proven to be a winner for Renault South Africa. And that’s because the Renault Kwid is famous for three things – its fantastically low price, its great standard specification, and its lack of safety features.
And now, Renault South Africa has sought to give the Kwid – already on the market for 3 years – something of an update. And while they have retained a great price, the compact car gets even more kit; and most importantly, a boost in terms of safety.
While it still soldiers on with just a driver’s airbag, it now gains ABS brakes and a seatbelt warning. But one of the biggest updates is to the cars’ 7-inch infotainment system. The Multimedia system, standard on the Dynamique upwards, comes with a range of functions such as Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free telephony, USB & AUX-input ports, speed sensing volume control, and has now been upgraded to incorporate smartphone mirroring with Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility, allowing consumers the benefit of using either Google Maps or Waze.
A now familiar sight on our roads, the funky Kwid - based on Renault’s CMFA platform – is probably more crossover than mini-hatchback in design. Up front there is a muscular bumper with a blacked out grill – similar to that seen on the Sandero. The wheel arches are cladded in black plastic, further adding to its muscularity. The side section is well toned, contoured and is very much in line with the muscular front. There’s a very short overhang at the rear, but also incorporates black cladding into its lower section, giving the impression of a soft-roader. A ground clearance of 180mm further emphasises this.
As before, the interior is adequately spacious for what is perceived to be a small car. With a wheelbase of just over 2.4 metres, there is satisfactory seating for five adults, with head room being amongst the best in its class. Rear luggage space of 300 litres puts it on par with the Clio and the Sandero – both far bigger cars. This can be extended to 1115 litres by dropping the rear seats. Standard niceties include power steering, electric windows, remote central locking, an effective air-conditioner, and loads of storage space. In fact, the only option you can spring for is metallic paint priced at R2 522.
All Kwids are powered the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder Smart Control efficiency (SCe) engine that produces 50kw and 91nm. It is available with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic, both extremely frugal; with Renault claiming it will sip just 4.7 litres and 4.4 litres per 100kms respectively. It will eventually reach 100kph, and given a long enough stretch of road, will hit a maximum speed of 152kph.
Pricing has been minutely bumped up, but it is still an extremely attractive, especially since all Kwids come standard with 1-year of Comprehensive Insurance Cover, as well as a 2-year service plan and a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty.
- Renault KWID Expression R134 900
- Renault KWID Dynamique R144 900
- Renault KWID Dynamique AMT R154 900
- Renault KWID Climber R154 900
Also worth a look: the New Renault Duster Arrives in South Africa: Pricing & Detail and the New Renault Duster: Tech, Turbo, and Tougher Than Ever.
FAQ
Q: What does the Renault Kwid cost in South Africa?
The Renault Kwid starts from around R179,900 for the base Life model, with the top-spec Dynamique coming in at approximately R199,900, making it one of the most affordable new cars you can buy in South Africa.
Q: Is the Renault Kwid worth buying?
The Kwid is absolutely worth buying if you need maximum bang for your buck, offering decent space, good fuel economy, and now proper safety features like ABS brakes, all for under R200,000.
Q: What engine does the Renault Kwid have?
The Kwid comes with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 50kW and 96Nm of torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual or AMT automated manual transmission.
Q: How fuel efficient is the Renault Kwid?
The Kwid delivers excellent fuel consumption of around 4.4 litres per 100km, meaning you can easily get over 900km from a single tank, making it perfect for budget-conscious drivers.
Q: What safety features does the Renault Kwid have?
The updated Kwid now includes ABS brakes, a driver's airbag, seatbelt warning system, and electronic brake-force distribution, though it still lacks some modern safety tech like stability control.
Should You Buy It?
The best entry-level crossover under R200,000 in SA is definitely the Renault Kwid Dynamique at R199,900. With over 20,000 units sold, this little charmer proves that you don't need to break the bank for decent motoring. The updated safety kit finally addresses the Kwid's biggest weakness, while the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration keeps you connected without paying premium prices. Sure, it's not going to win any drag races with 50kW, but for first-time buyers or city commuters who want crossover looks, decent space, and brilliant fuel economy, the Kwid is a no-brainer. Just don't expect luxury car refinement at hatchback prices.
