logo
New Delhi
New Cars
New Bikes
Used Cars
Go Green with EV
News & Reviews
Trending on c&b
Sell Your Car
Scrap Your Car
Pre Delivery Inspection

Registered Office

ADDRESS
Mahindra First Choice Wheels Limited, 602, 6th Floor, Tower - B, Embassy 247, LBS Road, Vikhroli (West), Mumbai - 400083
CONTACT
+91 9606045096
EMAIL
contact@carandbike.com

Who We Are

About UsMerger Scheme CopyNCLT OrderInvestor RelationsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy

Follow Us On

car&bike Youtubecar&bike Twittercar&bike Facebookcar&bike LinkedIn
© Mahindra First Choice Wheels Limited 2025. All rights reserved.

Our Offerings

  • New Cars
  • Electric Cars
  • Electric Scooters
  • Used Cars
  • Compare
  • Sell My Car

News & Reviews

  • Latest News
  • Car News
  • Bike News
  • Comparison Reviews
  • Trending News
  • Videos
  • Knowledge Center

Popular Car Brands

  • Maruti Suzuki
  • Tata
  • Hyundai
  • Honda
  • Mahindra
  • Kia

Popular Car Models

  • Tata Curvv
  • Kia Seltos
  • Hyundai Verna
  • Mahindra Thar
  • Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Popular Bike Brands

  • Royal Enfield
  • Hero
  • Yamaha
  • Jawa
  • Honda
  • Bajaj

Popular Bike Models

  • Yamaha MT 15
  • Royal Enfield Hunter 350
  • Continental GT 650
  • Bajaj Pulsar 150
  • Honda SP 125
  • Latest News
  • Latest Reviews
  • Car News
  • Bike News
  • Car Reviews
  • Motorsport
  • Bike Reviews
  • Electric

Comparison: Renault Kwid vs Maruti Suzuki Alto

Is the Renault Kwid really the car to take down the mighty Maruti Suzuki?
Siddharth Vinayak Patankar
Siddharth Vinayak Patankar
1 min read
2015-12-18 02:42:10
Follow us on
Comparison: Renault Kwid vs Maruti Suzuki Alto
When the Renault Kwid was first shown to us a few months ago, it seemed a bit hard to believe really. The promise was of a small affordable car, and yet what we saw looked like an ample hatch - styled like an SUV! At the time, Carlos Ghosn (Renault's global CEO) had also promised prices that stayed between Rs 3 and 4 lakh. As it turned out that was a googly, because the Renault Kwid was eventually launched at Rs 2.56 lakh, and tops off at Rs 3.53 lakh! Those are near-identical prices to the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800, and lower than the Alto K10's. The Alto K10 does offer the AMT option - something the Kwid promises to get in the new year.

So prices aside, is the Renault Kwid really the car to take down the mighty market leader then? Well, Hyundai has tried with a competitive package in the Eon - but it has not set the market on fire, and is certainly not a steal price wise either. And that is a car from India's second largest carmaker; the only one with the scale to really try and take on Maruti Suzuki isn't it? So did Renault stand a chance? Well the Kwid is substantially different as a product and that is where the opportunity lies.

Renault Kwid vs Maruti Suzuki Alto

Let me tackle this piece by piece. First up the looks. Put the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800/K10 next to the Renault Kwid, and it looks like a no-contest situation! The Alto family got new looks last year, but the Kwid easily stands out as the more ample, tougher, contemporary and different design. This was intentional, and the SUV cues will only help win over more buyers. The larger size and bigger haunches means more cabin space too. Inside, the two cars you find a use of plastic-y grey all around (unlike the Eon's smart two-tone dash). But the Kwid's top-end model features a large touch-screen with navigation and Bluetooth - which is a big step up in this segment. The Kwid and Alto both offer an optional driver-side airbag, but Renault insists the Kwid is crash-test ready, while we know the Alto is not. However, I have no way to substantiate Renault's claim, as no tests have been carried out to my knowledge. The Renault Kwid's rear seatbelts are also not retractable which is not great in my book, but the car can certainly accommodate more people (5 with ease) and more luggage (300-litre boot is class-leading) than the Alto could.

Also Read Specification Comparison: Renault Kwid vs Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 vs Hyundai Eon

Both cars have a 3-cylinder 800cc engine, but the Renault churns out 53bhp while the Alto has 47bhp on tap. The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 of course gets a larger engine with an output of 66bhp. The Kwid holds its own - and while the engine is a bit clattery, it comes across as refined and ready to go. At take-off the car seems more stable than the Alto, however it's not electric. The Alto's gearbox and steering are two aspects where the Suzuki's experience with small cars shines through. The Kwid's gearbox feels sluggish and its steering is not very precise - almost emphasizing the car's bigger size by feeling a bit cumbersome.

Renault Kwid vs Maruti Suzuki Alto 3

But where the Renault Kwid races ahead of its rivals is in the handling and ride departments. The Kwid feels mature and solid - taking bad roads in its stride and also cornering with much more confidence than the Maruti Suzuki Alto. Ride quality comes across like a bigger car's and that is despite the fact that it is not a very heavy car in the first place. The Alto feels clunky and primitive by comparison. Occupant comfort was never considered a very big deal for any first time car buyer - because the existing cars came short on space and ride. The Kwid will change that benchmark - and if buyers take to it in a big way it will mean the rivals will need to go back to the drawing board with greater earnest!

Also Read: Renault Kwid Review

So it seems like I was prejudiced against the Alto at the very start. The Renault Kwid came into this competition very much the better, bigger, more modern product on paper, and so it must be that on ground too, right? Well I drove both cars extensively and even gave Maruti's Alto K10 AMT a shot before making up my mind. Yes it's a no-brainer on the one hand, but just how much the Kwid has been able to do is what makes the story exciting. It is exciting because the Kwid will be the benchmark - staying on cost, but offering a more modern car than this segment has seen in a while. That will only mean the segment will stay hot, with more value and better quality coming down the chain to the buyer. So, I happily crown the Kwid as the new king of the small car space. With a very keen eye on what Maruti Suzuki and even Hyundai will bring us next!

Also Read: What You Need To Know About Renault Kwid Compact Car

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 Renault Kwid
Displacement 998cc 796cc 799cc
Power 66bhp @ 6000rpm 47bhp @ 6000rpm 53bhp@ 5678rpm
Torque 90Nm @ 3500rpm 69Nm @ 3500rpm 72Nm @ 4386rpm
Transmission 5-Speed Manual/AMT 5-Speed Manual 5-Speed Manual
Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) Rs. 3.19 lakh - Rs. 4.01 lakh Rs. 2.52 lakh - Rs. 3.68 lakh Rs. 2.56 lakh - Rs. 3.53 lakh
# Maruti Suzuki Alto 800# Maruti Suzuki Alto K10# Renault Kwid# Comparison

Related News

New Renault Kwid E-Tech Revealed: Gets ADAS, 250 Km Range
2 mins read
New Renault Kwid E-Tech Revealed: Gets ADAS, 250 Km Range
Top 5 Most Affordable Cars in India: Your Entry To The World Of Four Wheels!
4 mins read
Top 5 Most Affordable Cars in India: Your Entry To The World Of Four Wheels!
Renault Kwid 10th Anniversary Edition Launched: Entry Hatchback Updated With More Safety Features
1 min read
Renault Kwid 10th Anniversary Edition Launched: Entry Hatchback Updated With More Safety Features
Maruti Suzuki Swift, Wagon R, Brezza Offered With Benefits Up To Rs 90,000
4 mins read
Maruti Suzuki Swift, Wagon R, Brezza Offered With Benefits Up To Rs 90,000
Upcoming Renault Kwid EV Spotted In India; Will Rival Tata Tiago EV and MG Comet EV
1 min read
Upcoming Renault Kwid EV Spotted In India; Will Rival Tata Tiago EV and MG Comet EV

Research More on Renault Kwid

Renault Kwid
Rating Icon
8.0/10
Renault Kwid
Variants
Images
Colours
*Ex-Showroom Price
₹ 4.29 - 5.9 Lakh
Check On-Road Price
View Kwid Specifications
View Kwid Features

Popular Renault Models

  • Renault Triber
    Renault
    Triber
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 6.14 - 9.42 Lakh
  • Renault Kiger
    Renault
    Kiger
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 6.14 - 11.73 Lakh
  • Renault Kwid
    Renault
    Kwid
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 4.29 - 5.9 Lakh

Latest Cars

  • Skoda Octavia RS
    Skoda
    Octavia RS
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 49.99 Lakh
  • Maserati MCPura
    Maserati
    MCPura
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 4.12 - 5.12 Crore
  • Mahindra Bolero Neo
    Mahindra
    Bolero Neo
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 8.49 - 9.99 Lakh
  • Mahindra Bolero
    Mahindra
    Bolero
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 7.99 - 9.69 Lakh
  • Mahindra Thar
    Mahindra
    Thar
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 9.99 - 16.99 Lakh
  • Citroen Aircross X
    Citroen
    Aircross X
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 8.29 - 13.69 Lakh
  • Maruti Suzuki Victoris
    Maruti Suzuki
    Victoris
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 11.93 - 23.19 Lakh
  • VinFast VF7
    VinFast
    VF7
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 24.23 - 29.57 Lakh
  • VinFast VF6
    VinFast
    VF6
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 19.13 - 21.22 Lakh
  • Citroen Basalt X
    Citroen
    Basalt X
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 7.95 - 13.11 Lakh
Explore Other Topics
Trending NewsCar NewsElectric Car NewsBike NewsComparisonsMotorsportsUpcoming Car News

Trending News

  • TVS Apache RTX First Ride Review: Tech-Packed & Adventure Ready
    8 mins read
    TVS Apache RTX First Ride Review: Tech-Packed & Adventure Ready
  • Eurogrip Tread Talks 2025: Tyre Tales
    4 mins read
    Eurogrip Tread Talks 2025: Tyre Tales
  • Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 Vs Bajaj Dominar 400 Comparison Review
    1 min read
    Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 Vs Bajaj Dominar 400 Comparison Review
  • Tata Harrier EV Road Test: Big, Bold, and Brilliantly Electric
    5 mins read
    Tata Harrier EV Road Test: Big, Bold, and Brilliantly Electric
  • Porsche Macan EV Review: Sharper, Faster, More Serious
    6 mins read
    Porsche Macan EV Review: Sharper, Faster, More Serious
  • Hyundai Creta Electric vs Tata Curvv EV Comparison: Compact Electric SUVs Face-Off
    1 min read
    Hyundai Creta Electric vs Tata Curvv EV Comparison: Compact Electric SUVs Face-Off
  • Honda CB 125 Hornet Review: Gunning For Gold!
    6 mins read
    Honda CB 125 Hornet Review: Gunning For Gold!
  • Ultraviolette X-47 Crossover First Ride Review: Sense & Sensibility
    11 mins read
    Ultraviolette X-47 Crossover First Ride Review: Sense & Sensibility
  • TVS Orbiter First Ride Review: Orbit Commuter
    7 mins read
    TVS Orbiter First Ride Review: Orbit Commuter

Latest News

  • NewsNews
  • Expert ReviewExpert Review
View All
  • Ferrari SC40 One-Off Supercar Unveiled As Tribute To Iconic F40
    Jaiveer Mehra | Oct 19, 2025
    Ferrari SC40 One-Off Supercar Unveiled As Tribute To Iconic F40
    One-off Special Projects creations draws design inspiration from the F40 including a more squared off design and fixed rear wing.
    1 min
  • TVS Apache RTX vs KTM 250 Adventure vs Suzuki V-Strom SX: Specifications, Features, Prices Compared
    Jafar Rizvi | Oct 18, 2025
    TVS Apache RTX vs KTM 250 Adventure vs Suzuki V-Strom SX: Specifications, Features, Prices Compared
    The Apache RTX gets into the ring with the KTM 250 ADV and the Suzuki V-Strom SX. How does the RTX go up against the two on paper? Let’s find out.
    5 mins
  • 2025 India Bike Week Rescheduled: New Dates To Be Announced Soon
    car&bike Team | Oct 17, 2025
    2025 India Bike Week Rescheduled: New Dates To Be Announced Soon
    The 2025 edition of IBW, earlier planned for December 12-13, will now be held on new dates to be announced in the coming days.
    2 mins
  • Skoda Octavia RS Launched In India At Rs 49.99 Lakh
    Jafar Rizvi | Oct 17, 2025
    Skoda Octavia RS Launched In India At Rs 49.99 Lakh
    The Octavia RS made its debut in India at the Auto Expo 2025, with all 100 units of the allotment sold.
    2 mins
  • Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Aero Edition Launched; Offers Accessory Kit For All Variants
    car&bike Team | Oct 16, 2025
    Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Aero Edition Launched; Offers Accessory Kit For All Variants
    The exclusive styling package accessories are available at an additional cost of Rs 31,999 and will be offered across all Toyota dealerships nationwide.
    1 min
  • Kia Carens Clavis EV Line-Up Expanded To 6 Variants; New HTX E & HTX E (ER) Trims Added
    car&bike Team | Oct 16, 2025
    Kia Carens Clavis EV Line-Up Expanded To 6 Variants; New HTX E & HTX E (ER) Trims Added
    The new variants of the Carens Clavis EV essentially offer value-added trims that borrow some premium features from higher-spec trims.
    1 min
  • TVS Apache RTX First Ride Review: Tech-Packed & Adventure Ready
    Preetam Bora | Oct 19, 2025
    TVS Apache RTX First Ride Review: Tech-Packed & Adventure Ready
    TVS enters the growing adventure touring segment with the new Apache RTX with an attractive starting price of ₹ 1.99 Lakh (Ex-showroom). Is it worth considering? Read on, to find out.
    8 mins
  • Eurogrip Tread Talks 2025: Tyre Tales
    Janak Sorap | Oct 17, 2025
    Eurogrip Tread Talks 2025: Tyre Tales
    A factory tour on what goes into making two-wheeler tyres at Eurogrip’s Madurai plant, followed by a scenic ride to Kodaikanal.
    4 mins
  • Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 Vs Bajaj Dominar 400 Comparison Review
    Preetam Bora | Oct 10, 2025
    Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 Vs Bajaj Dominar 400 Comparison Review
    Roadster or sport tourer? And to answer that question we have the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 in a head-to-head comparison with the 2025 Bajaj Dominar 400.
    1 min
  • Tata Harrier EV Road Test: Big, Bold, and Brilliantly Electric
    Bilal Firfiray | Oct 8, 2025
    Tata Harrier EV Road Test: Big, Bold, and Brilliantly Electric
    We test the new Tata Harrier EV to find out how far it can really go. Real-world range, driving impressions, features, verdict, and everything else. We got you covered.
    5 mins
  • Porsche Macan EV Review: Sharper, Faster, More Serious
    Bilal Firfiray | Oct 3, 2025
    Porsche Macan EV Review: Sharper, Faster, More Serious
    When it comes to making EVs, Porsche knows a thing or two. So when the Macan EV become electric-only in its second-gen, how much of the iconic Porsche DNA does it retain?
    6 mins
  • Home
  • News
  • Cars
  • Comparison: Renault Kwid vs Maruti Suzuki Alto