The Renault Kwid gets refreshed

Renault SA has slowly, but surely, made great in-roads in most sectors of the car market. In 2013, they enjoyed just 3.1% of market-share, yet right now, they boast a modest 7.4% in challenging and parlous economic times. And that is why this vehicle gets my vote. So let me tell you more about this amazing Kwid...

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The Renault Kwid was successfully launched at the end of 2016 and has redefined the market with more than 27,700 cars sold, offering affordable mobility to all, with increased value propositions.

Value you cannot argue with

With just a few thousand rands added to the purchase price, the Renault Kwid now presents an even more compelling offer with great enhancements and additional features. These include increased safety with dual front airbags, ABS brakes and improved road holding thanks to the new 14-inch wheels and rear axle.

The striking SUV Kwid design offers segment-unique LED Daytime Running Lights, and class-leading 180mm ground clearance, providing the lift to take on any challenge with ease.

Space in the Renault Kwid is in line with upper segment vehicles comfortably accommodating up to five adults with best in class 279-litre boot space, matched by vibrant new interior finishes.

Unprecedented features in its segment include an 8-inch Touchscreen MediaNav with Bluetooth, USB, AUX and MP3 playback, now with the added convenience of a reverse camera and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, front and rear powered windows, electrical adjustable door mirrors, aircon and remote central locking.

Powered by Renault’s frugal 1.0-litre Smart Control efficiency (SCe) engine timed for performance and efficiency, enabling best in class fuel efficiency from only 4.7 litres/100km on the manual models and an impressive 4.4 litres/100km on the AMT model

Strikingly SUV-looking

The New Renault Kwid is borne from Renault Global’s design expertise. It exudes a sense of robustness and is now more modern and advanced than before. It puts forward a more muscular and tough exterior enhancing its SUV-inspired look, which certainly makes it pleasing to the eye.

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The new larger 14-inch wheels sporting stylish wheel covers give the Kwid an impressive ground clearance and sturdier stance, and together with the new rear axle adding to the safety of the vehicle by improving its road holding. The new Renault Kwid offers unique design cues, such as SUV styled headlamps with silver streak LED DRL’s, and tail lamps with LED light guides, while the new front fascia boasts a sense of aggression, adding to its overall appeal

Stylishly smart interior

The Renault Kwid is as striking on the inside as it is outside – evident from the new chrome finishes and the new upholstery fabrics. The all-new steering wheel enhances the quality feel while the new centre fascia and meter cluster with sportier graphics give a more pronounced and sporty ambience.

The Kwid boasts a surprising level of advanced technology – including standard aircon, electric front and rear windows and electrically adjustable door mirrors.

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The bold and confidence-inspiring interior of the Kwid offers both style and practicality, featuring intuitive technology to ensure that driver and passengers stay connected. The addition of a reverse camera and park distance sensors puts the vehicle in a league of its own, for complete ease of parking and added peace-of-mind.

Optimised engine efficiency

The compact 1.0-litre 3-cylinder Smart Control efficiency (SCe) engine powering the Kwid models has been optimised for power and performance and pushes out a peak power of 50kW @ 5,500/rpm and maximum torque of 91Nm @ 4,250/rpm.

It is paired to a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT gearbox, reportedly the best automatic entry offer in the South African market.

Drivers will enjoy its good responsiveness and drivability at low revs and wide torque band across the rpm range. An extremely fuel-efficient petrol-powered engine, it delivers an incredible 4.7 litres/100km and 4.4 litres/100km with the AMT transmission.

A peace of mine is standard

To facilitate peace-of-mind driving, the new model range comes standard with a 1 Year Comprehensive Insurance Cover, a 2 Year Service Plan, and a 5-year/150,000km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Services take place at 15,000km intervals.

Recommended Retail Pricing (Vat Incl)

• Renault Kwid Expression 1.0-litre: R144,900
  
• Renault Kwid Expression AMT 1.0-litre: R154,900
  
• Renault Kwid Dynamique 1.0-litre:R154,900
  
• Renault Kwid Dynamique AMT 1.0-litre: R164,900
  
• Renault Kwid Climber 1.0-litre: R164,900
  
• Renault Kwid Climber AMT 1.0-litre: R174,900

Final verdict

Not only is the new Renault Kwid hatchback specifically designed to meet the needs of anyone looking to buy an affordable car, but also to make driving simpler. With its more appealing design and an enhanced array of equipment, the Kwid certainly presents a striking offering in the passenger car market. Renault has delivered a winner here!