MOTORING NEWS - Renault's new entry segment contender is the SUV-inspired Kwid hatchback available in Expression and upper-level Dynamique variants.
An innovative and affordable vehicle, the new Renault Kwid is positioned as the entry-point into Renault's product line-up.
It is set to overturn many established entry segment design cues thanks to its robust, stylish exterior plus a modern and welcoming interior equipped with generous cabin space as well as features and fitments normally available in the higher specced segments.
The vehicle follows Renault's strategy of providing accessible mobility for all and is powered by Renault's new 1,0-litre Smart Control efficiency (SCe) engine optimised for increased performance and efficiency. An impressive 180mm ground clearance gives SUV-styled Kwid the lift to take on any challenge with ease.
"The Kwid is an entirely new car which offers a lot of surprises both inside and out, including features from the next segment up," says David Durand, head of Kwid styling at Renault. The Kwid offers a modern, intuitive interior which includes technologies that not only meet driver needs but also make driving simpler and safer.
Quality interior appointments ensuring that driver and passengers stay connected include a MediaNav navigation/multi-media system complete with large 7" touch screen display, radio and Bluetooth connectivity housed in a piano black centre console with chrome surround in the Dynamique version.
This plucky newcomer features SUV styling and construction. Its high stance and durable design underscore a sense of security while its longer wheelbase (2 422mm) allows for a spacious comfortable cabin plus more rear leg room. Boot space of 300-litres puts the new Renault Kwid on par with an upper segment vehicle.
Both Kwid derivatives are powered by a new 999cc Smart Control efficiency (SCe) engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. With its distinctive SUV-like design and high ground clearance (at 180mm, more than any of its competitors) Kwid offers a high driving position and greater visibility making it ideal for zipping around in urban traffic or cruising down the open highway.
Entry-level Kwid is modern, smart and stylish inside and out. It combines the comfort and functional user-friendliness of a city car with a spacious interior and a raft of stowage solutions.
With the introduction of the new Kwid, Renault has gone a considerable step further in designing a new breed of vehicle in the growing small-car segment.
The boldly structured front grille design highlights Renault's trademark diamond-shaped logo while its C-shaped headlights incorporate the brand's new lighting signature. Kwid's slightly sculpted sides provide a fluid, dynamic touch, with the rectangular forms of the black cladded and flared wheel arches a further pointer to its SUV breeding while also affording additional protection.
While the lower door decor underlines the Kwid's robust character, the steeply-raked, forward-positioned windscreen lends a sense of movement and fluidity to the high waistline which rises slightly at the rear. The large windows ensure good visibility for the driver and play a big part in travelling comfort while the sharp creases on the bonnet give it a muscular look.
At the rear, the lower part of the bumper comes with a black trim - another SUV cue - and the body-coloured tailgate spoiler adds to the car's dynamic stance.
The new Kwid's interior carries over the same bold and confidence-inspiring styling as the outside. The horizontal, uncluttered lines of the dashboard convey an impression of width and refinement. The digital instrument cluster and piano black centre fascia which houses the centrally-positioned MediaNAV system creates a contemporary high-quality feel that combines practicality and style, also in the Dynamique only.
Make the most of weekends and enjoy Kwid's smart, trendy interior together with class-leading space that comfortably seats five and complements a host of additional and thoughtful features.
The height adjustable front seats are generously sized offering superior comfort while the electric power steering and one-touch lane change indicator make driving a breeze. Electric front windows add to driver and front passenger convenience while the powerful air-conditioning with heater ensures driving pleasure irrespective of the weather. All controls are easy to reach from both driver and passenger sides. The open storage space facing the front passenger, lower glove box plus an upper glove box in Dynamique variant, driver and passenger in-door storage space with 1-litre bottle holder and rear parcel tray translate to practical and convenient stowage space.
The Kwid has a higher stance and durable design which underscore a sense of security.
EFFICIENCY
The compact 1,0-litre 3-cylinder Smart Control efficiency (SCe) engine powering both Kwid models has been optimised for power and performance and pushes out peak power of 50kW at 5 500rpm and maximum torque of 91Nm at
4 250rpm. Drivers will enjoy its good responsiveness and driveability at low revs and wide torque band across the rpm range. An extremely fuel efficient petrol powered engine, it's paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox and delivers an incredible 4,71-litres per 100 km. The fuel tank holds 28-litres.
- One of the lightest engines in the 1 litre range with aluminium cylinder block and head
- Optimised usage of composite materials for weight reduction
- Low friction design: Features include steel forged crankshaft with optimised bearing dimensions
- Stainless steel close coupled catalytic converter for quick warm-up and best emission to consumption balance
- F1-inspired state-of-the-art technology: double loop Lambda monitoring and electrical controlled throttle body for accurate air to fuel ratio monitoring; knock sensor for automatic spark advance adjustment to fuel quality
- Optimised valve timing for increased volumetric efficiency in order to achieve a flatter torque band.
- One of best-in-class power-to-weight ratios
As is the case across Renault's entire product range, the new Kwid Dynamique and Expression derivatives come standard with a five year or 150 000km mechanical warranty and a six year anti-corrosion warranty. Services take place at
15 000km intervals. Optional service plans are available.
Recommended retail pricing as follows: Renault Kwid Expression 1,0-litre SCe - R119 900; Renault Kwid Dynamique 1,0-litre SCe - R129 900.
The Kwid is now available at Seaman's Renault George. Pop into the showroom on C J Langenhoven Street or phone 044 873 2019.
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