Budget car buyers are spoiled for choice, especially when a stylish newcomer like the Renault Kwid enters the market.
It shares much of its design with the Datsun Go, and is the most affordable car in the Renault range.
With its crossover-like style, it is quite attractive and its rugged looks are one of its best attributes.
On the inside the Kwid is modern too and though it is mostly finished in hard plastic, it appears durable and solid.
What’s more, the Kwid offers technology unmatched in its class. The Dynamique trim features a navigation-multimedia system complete with a large 7-inch touchscreen display. It comes with Bluetooth and USB connections. Part of the standard fare are air conditioning, power steering and electric windows in front.
The Kwid also deserves a thumbs up for its comfortable cabin space plus more rear leg room. Boot space is a decent 300 litres too. We also liked the higher than usual driving position which has good all-round visibility.
Despite its budget car status, the Kwid is fun to drive. Since it weighs only 693kg, the 0,9-litre three-cylinder engine doesn’t need to work too hard to get the car up to speed. It is nippy in town and traffic but across longer distances, the Kwid gets noisy as it needs to work harder to keep its pace.
According to Renault, the average fuel use is 4,7 litres every 100km, which means that its tiny, 28-litre fuel tank should cover about 500km.
Though the Kwid ticks most boxes it is disappointing that it isn’t as safe as one would expect a Renault product to be. In terms of safety it only offers an airbag for the driver and no ABS. Renault said it might add more safety features in the future, but at a price.
It offers good value for money but we would have appreciated more safety features.
FACTBOX
Model: Renault Kwid Dynamique
Price: R129 900
Engine: 0,9-litre three-cylinder petrol
Fuel use: 4,7 litres every 100km
