Here are 5 things that you need to know about the Renault Kwid.
With our economic belts being ever tightened, the small car segment is now more popular than ever. That being said, it could be difficult for you, the customer, to choose a car that suits your needs. One of the most popular small, budget-friendly cars on sale today in South Africa is the Renault Kwid. Here are five things that you need to know about the Kwid.
It’s compact but practical?
The little Kwid is surprisingly spacious and is in line with many upper segment vehicles. The Kwid will comfortably accommodate 5 adults with a best in class 279 liters boot space, 620 if you fold the rear seats down. One of our favorite features is the ground clearance which is rated at 184mm which is impressive for a city car.
What about the engine?
Being a small car, the Kwid is powered by a small engine. The little 3-cylinder 1.0-litre motor develops 50kW and 91Nm of torque and will happily rev out to 5500rpm. The engine is paired to a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT gearbox, the best automatic entry offered in the South African market.
How economical is it?
The Kwid offers decent fuel economy and that ‘s because the engine features Smart Control efficiency. This enables the little city slicker to achieve a claimed fuel consumption figure of 4.7 litres/100km and class-leading 4.4 litres/100km with the AMT transmission. Renault claims an overall range of around 600km out of the 28-litre fuel tank.
What gadgets are there?
When it comes to mod-cons, the Kwid makes use of an 8 '' Touchscreen MediaNav with Bluetooth, USB, AUX and MP3 playback infotainment system. It is also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible and also features a reverse camera. The Kiwd also features front and rear powered windows, electrically adjustable door mirrors, aircon and remote central locking.
Looks are important
We buy with our eyes and Renault has added a few modern design elements to the Kwid in order to make it as visually appealing as possible. Some of our favourite features include the LED Daytime Running Lights and the new 14” wheels.
Out on the road, the Kwid is able to handle most urban environments. It really shines when prancing around the back city streets. Its compact size also makes it easy to navigate tight situations and even those busy shopping center parking lots. Its impressive fuel consumption is also a plus point when you consider the cost of that liquid gold right now. A full tank should cost around R500 and as claimed, the range is around 600km. These are the rations that we here at Auto Advisor like to see.
The Kwid is also ideal for young people looking for their first set of wheels. It’s a car that is cost-effective to maintain, easy to drive and thanks to the various tech features it will provide the required entertainment that many young people demand these days. Furthermore, peace-of-mind driving of the New Renault KWID model range comes standard with a 1 Year Comprehensive Insurance Cover, a 2 Year Service Plan, a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty.
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 R199,900 for the base model with the manual gearbox, whilst the AMT automatic version kicks off at approximately R219,900, making it one of the most affordable new cars you can buy in SA today.
Q: Is the Renault Kwid worth buying?
The Renault Kwid is absolutely worth considering if you're after an affordable, practical city car that won't break the bank to run, offering impressive space, decent kit and solid fuel economy for under R220,000.
Q: How reliable is the Renault Kwid?
The Kwid comes with Renault's standard 3-year/100,000km warranty and has proven fairly reliable in local conditions, though like most budget cars, regular servicing and gentle driving will keep it running smoothly for years.
Q: What's the difference between Kwid manual and AMT?
The AMT (automated manual transmission) version costs about R20,000 more but offers better fuel consumption at 4.4l/100km versus 4.7l/100km, plus the convenience of not having to work a clutch pedal in traffic.
Q: Does the Renault Kwid have good safety features?
The Kwid comes with ABS brakes, dual airbags and a reverse camera as standard, though it doesn't have the advanced safety tech found in pricier cars, which is fair enough at this price point.
Should You Buy It?
The best entry-level car under R220,000 in SA is undoubtedly the Renault Kwid, and yes, you should absolutely buy one if you're shopping in the budget segment. At R199,900 for the manual and R219,900 for the AMT, the Kwid offers unbeatable value with its class-leading boot space, impressive 184mm ground clearance, decent 50kW engine and proper infotainment system with Apple CarPlay. The 4.4l/100km fuel consumption with the AMT gearbox means you'll spend less at the pumps than most rivals, whilst the 5-year/150,000km service plan keeps running costs predictable. Sure, it's not going to win any drag races with that 1.0-litre three-cylinder, but for city driving, weekend trips and general daily duties, the Kwid punches well above its weight class and represents outstanding bang for your buck in today's tough economic climate.
