Kwid’s price tag a big plus
It was with much interest and anticipation that I picked up the demo from Tangawizi Motors
THE new Renault Kwid is big news at the moment.
With a very low price tag and super cool look, the little budget hatch is set to sell in decent numbers, and Renault Richards Bay sold the first car within 24 hours after it arrived at the dealership.
The two-model range consists of the 1.0 Expression, which goes for R119 900, and the 1.0 Dynamique which at R129 00 even has, I kid you not, Satnav!
So it was with much interest and anticipation that I picked up the demo from Tangawizi Motors.
Progressive shape
The Kwid’s dimensions are tight because it’s intended purpose is to be mainly an urban runabout.
Renault designers did a great job on the nose because it’s butch with aggressive headlights and a prominent grill.
A high stance and black trim in strategic places give the car a mini-crossover look, and black covers for the steel wheels boost the rough ‘n- ready impression even further.
It’s only when viewed from the front or the rear that the 155/80/13 biscuit tyres give the Kwid’s game away.
Regardless, it’s surely the best looking in its class and together with that low, low price tag and gadgets, its looks will be a big part of the appeal.
Comfort features
Inside things are basic, but Renault did put effort into making the cabin look interesting by sewing some red panels into the black cloth seats of the car I drove.
As can be expected, plastic coverings on the various surfaces are all of the hard type.
The Expression has an LCD screen radio with USB and Auxhillary ports, but the Dynamique boasts a huge seven-inch touchscreen which dominates the dash.
Navigation and other features of the touchscreen infotainment system are easy to use.
Right below it, in both Expression and Dynamique, sits the controls for the air-con and below that the buttons for the electric front windows.
Throw in the central locking key fob and it becomes quite clear that Renault didn’t skimp when kitting out this budget hatch.
Drivetrain
Powering the Kwid is a three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine which puts out 50kW and 91Nm.
It doesn’t sound like much, but given that the car weighs a mere 700kg, getting it to go through the five-speed manual box is easy.
However, the gearbox has an industrial feel and the engine is noisy.
Pull away is brisk, as is progress in second gear, but at the bottom of third is a flat spot which takes a while to recover from.
Fourth gear makes good speed but fifth gear, on the other hand, is more of an overdrive and not fond of inclines.
Dynamics
As a city car the Kwid fares reasonably well, but in SA places are far apart and inevitably some buyers will take to the open road sometimes.
I did just that and took the little Renault onto the N2.
With a 22 knot crosswind and gusts up to 30 knots – according to Windguru – the Kwid was difficult to keep in a straight line, and getting close to the national speed limit asked for a lot of concentration.
That and the fact that the Kwid doesn’t have ABS, have to be taken in consideration by the prospective buyer.
Make sure the car fits your intended purpose.
Verdict
There is definitely a demand for these low budgets hatches, the Datsun Go’s success having proved this.
Renault gets kudos for a modern design and the amount of luxury features at a very low price.
Add to that the complimentary one year insurance cover and the savings are massive.
You also get a five-year/100 000km warranty which shows Renault has faith in the build quality.
However, I would like to see Renault adding more safety features as the brand suggested it might do.
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