Relatively new to the market, the Renault Kwid is another unique offering from the French automotive brand that seems to specialise in making fun and affordable vehicles.
Designed on the back of the compact crossover Renault Sandero model, the nimble little Kwid offers zippy performance, a spacious interior, and ultra-modern styling at a competitive price.
Is this enough to win over the hearts of consumers in the highly competitive compact crossover segment? Let's find out.
Unveiled in 2014 at the Indian Auto Expo as an entry-level crossover for the Indian market, the Renault Kwid was rebranded and redesigned in 2015 and launched in various markets, including South Africa.
Manufactured in Brazil and exported globally, the Renault Kwid wasted no time in settling in here as it became one of the top selling cars in its segment in recent years, according to NAAMSA vehicle sales reports. An updated version was unveiled in 2018 and this is the model currently still in production.
Situated in the growing compact crossover segment, the Renault Kwid is truly a unique car offering an array of specifications as standard on entry level models.
Body-coloured bumpers and a bold grill are part of the Renault Kwid's modern styling, along with a monotone or dual-tone interior and sporty touches around the cabin, such as the nifty sport stitching and detailing on the steering wheel.
Electric power steering, air conditioning, and electric windows add comfort to the Kwid's drive, while the seven-inch multimedia touchscreen infotainment system, which supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, turns the car into a personalised media centre. Bluetooth and USB and AUX ports also come standard.
The entry-level Renault Kwid is fitted with a 1.0 L petrol engine producing 50kW from its three-cylinder power unit. The small engine offers a combined fuel cycle of 4.7 L/100 km and a mixed CO2 emissions cycle of 112 g/km.
Please note: Some specifications are only available on certain models with optional extras. Please enquire with your nearest Renault dealership about the specific features included in the model you're looking for.
Renault South Africa has a large dealership network across the country offering the Kwid model at competitive prices. You can book a test drive for the Kwid on the Renault website using their online booking service.
Renault also offers in-house financing packages in partnership with WesBank so their clients can create a custom financing package that fits their budget.
The base model Renault Kwid 1.0L Expression retails from R134,900. If you want to know what it's like to drive a Kwid for a few days before you buy one, you can hire a Renault Kwid at any reputable car rental service provider.
Impressively, the Renault Kwid Service plan is valid for two-years, a five-year/150,000 km mechanical warranty, and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are every 15,000 km.
Renault also offers a breakdown assistance service, a genuine parts guarantee, and a service guarantee.
Unfortunately, Renaults are listed in the top 10 highest risk car brands for theft and hijacking in South Africa according to the Ctrack car theft report. This is likely to have a negative impact on the cost of a car insurance quote, so be sure to factor this in when you're budgeting for a new Renault Kwid.
Renault offers an insurance solution on their Kwid models consisting of a one year comprehensive cover. However, this will not be valid if the vehicle is repossessed or sold within the first 12 months. Even with this (and the other terms and conditions that go along with it), it is still a good deal. If you'd like to find out how much you can expect to pay for cover on a Renault Kwid, head over to our website and use our car insurance comparison tool which gives you a range of car insurance quotes you can compare.
Sources: Renault South Africa, Wikipedia, NAAMSA, Vehicle Theft Report
Information provided for informational purposes. Prices quoted correct at the time of publishing this article.
