Top 8 reasons why you should buy the Renault Kwid

The Kwid is Renault’s new small car, designed and built for developing markets like India. Launched in the price range of Rs 2.56 lakh to Rs 3.53 lakh (Ex-showroom Delhi), it has taken the market by storm and is finally expected to give Renault the volumes it so desperately needs. Like its pricing, we found some other features of the Kwid which impressed us, so today we highlight the top eight features of the car.

Touchscreen system
It’s the first car in the segment to get this option. Actually, it is pretty much the first car even one level higher to get an infotainment system. Apart from minimising the number of physical components to operate the system it also affords a cleaner design and gives the car a modern look.  Currently, this is an optional extra only in the RXT (O) variant.

Highest claimed ARAI fuel efficiency
Among its chief rivals, the Renault Kwid claims the highest ARAI rated fuel efficiency of 25.17kmpl which is 1.57 kmpl more than the Nano which has a fuel efficiency of 23.6kmpl. The latter has this number despite having an engine that is 180cc lesser as well as one less cylinder when compared to the Kwid.  

Dedicated mobile app
In this age of low-cost smartphones and being connected on the go 24/7, Renault has managed to claim a spot for the Kwid as being the first car in the segment to have its own app. This app has been created to facilitate the easy booking of the vehicle and in a basic sense is an interactive brochure for the little hatchback.

Front fog lamps
This is the first car in the segment to be offered with the fog lamps and is self-explanatory when it comes to the benefits of what this feature offers. Further, it also adds well to the whole pseudo-mini SUV image of the Kwid. However, in a bid to keep costs in check, the fog lamps are only being offered with the top-spec RXT variant.

Lowest kerb weight
The Renault Kwid has a kerb weight of 669kgs which is a full 50kgs lesser than its closest rival (s). While some may see this as a disadvantage when it comes to handling, we believe that with a lesser load to lug around, you can make better use of the 53bhp/72Nm the Kwid’s 800cc engine produces. This also means that with the car fully loaded up it will still weigh lesser than its rivals.

Largest section tyre in segment
The Renault Kwid gets 155/80 R13 tyres while the Hyundai Eon gets 155/70 R13 tyres. This may seem like a small difference in terms of numbers but will actually result in a slightly better ride as the tyre is able to absorb the undulations and bumps on the road more efficiently thanks to the added rubber. 

Navigation pack
In addition to the touchscreen system, Renault is also the first to offer a navigation system. As Ameya, put in his first drive, it is practically unheard of in this neck of the woods and is a good addition to first-time drivers developing their sense of direction.

Boot space
The Renault Kwid is the car with one of the largest boot spaces across a significant price range and segment. At 300litres it has a higher boot capacity than most of the sub-Rs 10 lakh hatchbacks on sale in the Indian market today.