If you’re looking for a stylish, affordable, and feature-packed car in India, the Renault KWID deserves your attention. Designed with modern Indian families in mind, the KWID is a small hatchback that stands out with its SUV-inspired looks, impressive mileage, and wallet-friendly price. In this article, we will take a deep dive into everything you need to know about the Renault KWID — from its design, features, and performance to its price, variants, mileage, safety, and more.
Whether you’re a first-time car buyer, a student, or someone looking for a reliable second car, the KWID offers a smart solution for city driving.
Overview of Renault KWID
The Renault was first launched in India in 2015 and quickly became one of the most popular entry-level cars in the market. It broke the traditional image of budget hatchbacks by offering a bold design and a feature-rich cabin. Over the years, Renault has updated the KWID with new styling, modern technology, and improved safety features.
Quick Highlights:
- Category: Entry-level hatchback
- Engine Options: 0.8L and 1.0L petrol
- Transmission: Manual & AMT (automatic)
- Mileage: Up to 22.3 km/l
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Price Range: ₹4.70 lakh to ₹6.45 lakh (ex-showroom)
Renault KWID Design: Compact Yet Bold
The design of the Renault KWID is one of its biggest USPs. While most small hatchbacks look basic, the KWID offers a mini SUV look, which gives it a more premium and rugged appearance.
Exterior Design:
- High Ground Clearance: 184mm, great for Indian roads.
- Signature LED DRLs: Positioned above the headlamps, adding a modern touch.
- Stylish Grille: With chrome accents for a premium vibe.
- Sporty Bumpers: Add to the rugged look.
- Dual-tone color options: For added flair and youth appeal.
Dimensions:
- Length: 3731 mm
- Width: 1579 mm
- Height: 1490 mm
- Wheelbase: 2422 mm
- Boot Space: 279 litres (expandable)
Interior and Comfort: Modern Cabin with Smart Features
Step inside the KWID, and you’ll be surprised at how premium the interiors feel for a budget car. Renault has smartly used the space to provide good headroom, legroom, and useful features.
Key Interior Features:
- 8-inch Touchscreen Infotainment: With Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- Digital Instrument Cluster: A cool, modern look.
- Front Power Windows
- Rear Seat Armrest (in higher variants)
- Dual-tone dashboard: With chrome and piano black inserts.
- Ample Storage: Cup holders, door pockets, and boot space.
The seats are well-cushioned, and the overall ergonomics are excellent for city driving. It may be a compact car, but it feels much more spacious inside.
Engine and Performance: Small Yet Peppy
The Renault KWID comes with two petrol engine options that offer a good balance of power and fuel efficiency, especially for daily city commutes.
Engine Options:
| Engine | Type | Power | Torque | Transmission | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.8L SCe | Petrol | 54 PS | 72 Nm | 5-speed MT | 20.71 km/l |
| 1.0L SCe | Petrol | 68 PS | 91 Nm | 5-speed MT / AMT | Up to 22.3 km/l |
The 1.0-litre engine is the better choice if you want a zippier performance or plan on using the car for longer drives. The AMT version makes city driving easy with clutch-free convenience.
Safety Features: Enhanced Protection
Renault has added several safety updates to ensure the KWID complies with the latest government norms and customer expectations.
Standard Safety Features:
- Dual Front Airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Reverse Parking Sensors
- Speed Alert System
- Seat Belt Reminder
- Driver-side Pyro & Pre-tensioner Seatbelt
The top variants also include a reverse parking camera, day/night IRVM, and better crash protection due to structural enhancements.
Variants and Pricing
The Renault KWID is available in multiple variants to suit different budgets and needs. Here’s a breakdown of the latest variants:
| Variant Name | Engine | Transmission | Approx Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RXE 0.8L | Petrol | Manual | ₹4.70 lakh |
| RXL 0.8L | Petrol | Manual | ₹4.95 lakh |
| RXL (O) 0.8L | Petrol | Manual | ₹5.15 lakh |
| RXT 1.0L | Petrol | Manual | ₹5.50 lakh |
| RXT (O) 1.0L | Petrol | AMT | ₹5.95 lakh |
| Climber 1.0L | Petrol | Manual | ₹5.90 lakh |
| Climber (O) 1.0L | Petrol | AMT | ₹6.45 lakh |
The Climber variant is the sportier version with contrast color accents, roof rails, and bold interior themes.
Mileage and Running Cost
One of the biggest reasons people love the Renault KWID is its excellent fuel efficiency. Whether you choose the 0.8L or 1.0L engine, you’ll save a lot on running costs.
- KWID 0.8L MT – ~20.7 km/l
- KWID 1.0L MT – ~21.7 km/l
- KWID 1.0L AMT – ~22.3 km/l
With petrol prices rising, the KWID proves to be a smart city car for budget-conscious buyers.
Maintenance and After-Sales Service
Renault offers a 2-year/50,000 km warranty as standard, which can be extended. The cost of maintenance is low, and Renault’s wide service network makes it easier to maintain.
Pros:
- Low service costs
- Easily available spare parts
- Roadside assistance plans
Who Should Buy the Renault KWID?
The Renault KWID is ideal for:
- First-time car buyers
- College students or young professionals
- Budget-conscious families
- Urban dwellers looking for a second car
Its compact size makes it perfect for tight city roads and parking spaces. The modern features and SUV-like styling give it a higher value than most competitors in the same price range.
Renault KWID vs Rivals
Main Rivals:
- Maruti Suzuki Alto K10
- Maruti Suzuki S-Presso
- Hyundai Grand i10 Nios (base models)
- Tata Tiago (entry variants)
Compared to these, the KWID holds an edge in design, boot space, infotainment system, and interior feel. While the Alto and S-Presso have stronger brand value, the KWID wins on style and features.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Bold, SUV-inspired design
- Great fuel efficiency
- Touchscreen with smartphone connectivity
- Low running and maintenance cost
- Spacious for a small car
Cons:
- No diesel or CNG option
- Not ideal for highway-speed performance
- Rear seat best suited for two adults
Final Verdict: Is the Renault KWID Worth It?
Absolutely yes! The Renault combines style, practicality, and affordability in a way few other cars in its class can. It’s the perfect entry-level car for urban India, offering all the essential features with a stylish twist.
If you want a small car that doesn’t feel cheap, offers modern features, and won’t hurt your wallet, the Renault is one of the smartest choices on Indian roads today.
