Renault Kwid

In our urban test runs, the Kwid 1.0-litre engine felt peppy and eager. The car weighs less than 800 kg, which gives it a favourable power-to-weight ratio. Overtaking in city traffic is relatively simple, though you do need to downshift to find the meat of the power band. Seshan Vijayraghvan says, "The Kwid does not crash into potholes." The long-travel suspension is designed for Indian conditions.

• Handles road bumps and rough patches easily
• Features light steering, which is great for parking and tight city manoeuvres.
• Demonstrates solid straight-line stability even at triple-digit speeds.
• Exhibits some body roll during aggressive cornering.
• Becomes noticeably loud as engine roar and wind whistle intrude when pushed past 110 kmph.

The Renault Kwid styling remains its biggest selling point, successfully shrinking SUV ruggedness into a city-friendly package. When we look at this generation, it is clear that it was not created to simply replicate the past. Instead, we see a vehicle that is equally at home in the daily urban grid and in tight parking spaces. Every major element visible on the car serves a functional role.
Core design principles we observed include.

• Upright proportions for commanding visibility.
• Muscular stance mimicking the tough look of larger SUVs.
• Split-headlamp setup providing a futuristic face.

As we observed the exterior in our Renault Kwid expert review, the focus is clearly on the ground clearance. At 184mm, the Kwid offers more clearance than some sub-compact SUVs. This translated into absolute peace of mind during our testing when tackling large speed breakers or water-logged streets.

Front and Side Profile

The front grille features chrome inserts (in the top model) that merge seamlessly with the DRLs. Moving to the side, the Climber accents, like the orange highlights on the wing mirrors and roof rails, add a youthful vibe. We noticed the 14-inch wheels now come with stylish covers that look like alloys from a distance, adding to the premium feel.

Rear Profile

The rear is dominated by the C-shaped LED signature in the tail lamps. The black cladding on the lower bumper not only protects against minor scratches in tight parking spots but also visually raises the car's height.

Dimensions Table

The Renault Kwid interior reflects a philosophy of clarity and function first. Stepping inside it is immediately clear that this cabin is a masterclass in clever space management. While the car looks tiny on the outside, the interior packaging is so efficient that four adults can sit comfortably without feeling like they are rubbing shoulders.

• Provides a high seating position for a commanding view of the road.
• Functioning as a massive confidence booster for new drivers navigating tight traffic.
• Offers a general modern layout that sets a strong baseline for the cabin experience.

Seating and Ergonomics 

The front seats provide enough bolstering to keep you comfortable during zippy city commutes. In the back, legroom is decent for a micro-hatch, though trying to fit three adults across the rear bench would definitely be a tight squeeze. Our taller testers found their legs rubbing against the front seats.

• Lacks a master window control for the driver.
• Places the front window buttons awkwardly on the dashboard.
• Omits a height-adjustable driver seat for taller individuals.
• Features a manual gear shifter that feels a bit clunky during quick transitions.
• Includes a rear middle seat that still gets a lap belt rather than a three-point system.

Materials and Quality 

Renault has balanced premium aspirations with the realities of building a budget-friendly hatchback. The dashboard layout is neat and visually appealing for the price segment. You have to remember the price point, but a bit more soft-touch material would have gone a long way.

• Uses a piano-black finish on the centre console to give the space a classy vibe.
• Feels generally robust across the primary touchpoints on the dashboard.
• Utilises plastics on the door pads that feel a bit thin

Efficiency is a non-negotiable for hatchback buyers. During our car&bike test cycle, we monitored the fuel economy across city and highway conditions.

Claimed and Real-World Mileage (Approx.)

We found that the AMT is actually slightly more efficient in traffic because it is tuned to upshift early to save fuel. This makes it a very sensible urban commuter.

Safety has become a priority for Renault. Every Kwid now comes with over 14 mandatory safety features.
Expert Note: "This model has not yet been rated by Bharat NCAP." However, it previously scored one star in Global NCAP under older protocols. Renault has since reinforced the chassis and added more standard tech.

Standard Safety Kit:

• Dual Front Airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

For a car at this price, the tech package is impressive. The infotainment and display setup is surprisingly comprehensive for the entry-level segment. We found the tech supports the driving experience without being complicated to use.

• Centres around an eight-inch MediaNav Evolution touchscreen display.
• Supports wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
• Includes a voice recognition system that is quite handy for navigating through city streets.
• Features a fully digital instrument cluster that remains informative and premium.

The Kwid offers a massive 279-litre of boot space, which can be expanded to 620-litre by folding the rear seats. In our real-world test, this was enough to swallow two medium-sized suitcases and a couple of soft bags. It is significantly more spacious than its primary rivals, making it a viable car for weekend getaways.

In our test drive, we found the Kwid’s suspension setup to be one of its strongest suits. It is tuned to be soft, which means it glides over small potholes and tarmac ripples.

Seshan Vijayraghvan says:
“The Kwid doesn't crash into potholes. The long-travel suspension is designed for Indian conditions. The steering is light, which is great for parking, but it does feel a bit vague at higher highway speeds.”

Best for Budget: Renault Kwid base model (RXE)

It gives you the SUV looks and the safety basics at an unbeatable price.

Best for City Traffic: RXT AMT

The convenience of an automatic paired with the touchscreen makes it the perfect urban tool.

Best for Style: The Renault Kwid top model (Climber)

The orange accents and dual-tone colours really make it stand out.