5 Awesome upgrades to the Renault Kwid

3 Dec 2019

Renault has managed to maintain the Kwid's affordability, whilst adding flair and oomph with several changes to the new version.

Here are five stand-out upgrades to the new Renault Kwid:

1. SEO, Small Engine Optimised

It is no secret that the Kwid is not a powerful car. It makes sense that it is not known for delivering high-levels of torque and so forth. How powerful the tiny car is not important. It wasn’t designed to be that way and it will never be. The engine is now, however, more efficient.

The compact 1l three-cylinder Smart Control efficiency (SCe) engine pushes out a peak power of 50kW at 5,500 rpm and maximum torque of 91Nm at 4, 250 rpm. It is paired to a five-speed manual or a five-speed AMT gearbox.

Engine efficiency means fuel-efficiency. It is able to deliver 4.7l/100km and 4.4 litres/100km with the AMT transmission.

2. The look is SUV-inspired

It’s funny, in a good way, how Renault swayed in the direction of producing a small car that resembles an SUV. It basically looks like a mini SUV, without the obvious capabilities of an SUV of course.

This deliberate design ups the rigidness of the vehicle and aligns it with modernism. Interestingly, the manufacturer chose to stick with the outward dimensions of the prior version, meaning the 2019 car is still the same length and height. So, same same, but different.

It has 14-inch wheels along with stylish wheel covers and wheel-arch cladding. The front grille has chrome inserts and is now more bold and aggressive looking. The headlamps are SUV-styled with silver streak LED DRL’s and the tail lamps have LED light guides.

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3. A refinement in safety

The Kwid is a light-weight and diminutive car, which arguably makes it more prone to bigger and more strenuous hits when faced with collisions. Renault realised this and made an effort to add extra safety features.

It now has dual front airbags for both driver and passenger. The full model range is equipped with ABS brakes, allowing for increased pad and disc life, and improved stopping during emergency braking. A seat belt reminder presents an added safety feature. Road handling is also enhanced thanks to the new 14-inch wheels and rear axle.

4. There’s more tech

A car without aircon, electric windows, and digitisation just seems so out of place in today’s world. Luckily, Renault added this to its list of upgrades.

The cluster is fully-digital and it has an eight-inch centre console. The steering wheel is electric and there’s a 12v socket bar. It has Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The Kwid now also has a reverse camera and park distance sensors.

5. The insurance cover

The insurance is convenient and it means longevity for the owner of the car. The Kwid model range comes standard with a one-year insurance cover, a two-year service plan, and a five-year/150,000km mechanical warranty and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty. Services take place at 15,000km intervals.