If you are looking forward to buying a compact, entry-level car for your urban runabouts, the Renault Kwid is a name that must have come across in your mind. This rugged-looking hatchback, with all of its SUV-ish appeal, can tick many right boxes as a first car for you.
However, as good a car as it looks from its design and specifications, there are some hidden negatives, which you should be aware of before finalizing your decision of buying one. We take a look at all the pros and cons of the Renault Kwid to clear out all your second thought about owning one.
Whats to like about the Renault Kwid ?
Compact dimensions make it easy to drive
With a length of 3731mm, a width of 1579mm and a height of 1474mm, the Renault Kwid has a small footprint among all the cars on sale. Also, with a sub-five-metre turning radius and light steering setup, the Kwid is quite easy to steer.
Modern features on offer
Despite its entry-level positioning, Renault has made no compromises in equipping the Kwid with modern features. While daytime running LEDs and fully-digital instrument console are offered as standard, the higher-spec variants also come with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and steering-mounted audio controls. The Climber version attracts more with its funky-looking contrast bits all around.
A peppy and fuel-efficient engine
The Renault Kwid is now offered with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine as standard. With a power output of 68 PS and a torque output of 91 Nm, the Kwid has decent performance on tap. The Kwid further impresses with its fuel efficiency, which ranges between 21-22 kmpl.
Class-leading space on offer
Despite its compact size, the Renault Kwid has a good amount of space on the inside. The SUV-squee design means that the Kwid has good headroom, further complemented by appreciable legroom and knee room. It also has a 279-litre boot space, which is more than enough for its size.
Comfortable ride quality
Renaults are traditionally known for offering a comfortable ride quality even over broken patches of tarmac. The Duster set the tone of all the Renaults, and the Kwid also impresses with its ability to absorb bumps and potholes with ease.
Whats not to like about the Renault Kwid ?
Limited after-sales support
Over the years, Renault cars have built up an unwanted reputation for their below-average after-sales and service support. Being a budget-oriented car, the after-sales experience of Kwid should be more prominent in smaller towns and rural areas. However, the limited availability of service centres is a loophole which Renault still needs to crack.
Below-average fit and finish levels
The Kwid is a car which has been designed and engineered keeping a cost barrier in mind. Naturally, there have been some compromises made in the overall quality and fit and finish levels. Issues like inconsistent panel gaps and rattles after a rough usage are commonly seen in Renault Kwid.
Engine refinement levels are not up to the mark
While the 1.0-litre engine is decently peppy and fuel-efficient for its size, the refinement levels still have a scope for improvement. Compared to other small-capacity petrol engines, the 1.0-litre SCe petrol engine of the Kwid tends to be noisy when pushed hard.
Lack of storage spaces
The Kwid offers generous headroom and legroom for a car of its size. However, its practicality takes a hit with the lack of bottle holders and small storage spaces. The bottle holders which are offered are not big enough to hold 1-litre bottles, unlike other cars in its crosshairs.
Lifeless steering
The light steering setup might be a boon for those who prominently drive in urban environments. However, seasoned drivers will probably not like the lack of feedback from the steering at higher speeds, especially while driving on highways.
Conclusion - How does the Renault Kwid sum up in the end?
Being a car which is budget-oriented and built to a cost, the shortcomings mentioned about the Renault Kwid are bound to happen. However, whats more appreciable is that Kwids advantages overshadow its shortcomings. Despite its positioning as an entry-level product, the Kwid comes across as a finely-engineered product, making it a perfect first start to start your motoring journey as a city dweller.
Check out Park+
The abilities of the Kwid as a perfect car for the city become even better with the facilities offered by Park+, which can help you find and book a parking slot at your convenience in advance and help you with insurance, FASTag, and Challan tracking. Visit the Park+ website to find solutions to all your car-related problems. You can also download Park+ App.