“Good things come in small packages” this proverb seems to suit Renault Kwid which was launched last year in India and created quite a buzz all around. Since its launch, the car has hit the bull’s eye as it already crossed 1.5 lakh bookings and on the brink to cross 1 lakh deliveries, that to in less than a year’s time. Renault Kwid’s success not attributed by one factor only, there are multi-fold like SUV-ish design, segment best mileage, first in class features and not to forget aggressive pricing.
Despite ticking all the right boxes, if there was one area where Kwid needed to prove its worth, it was engine department. Renault decided to fill the void of jerky low speed performance with the bigger 999cc engine. The 1.0 litre engine comes with larger three cylinder engine aim to target potential buyers looking for performance from their budget hatchbacks. Since standard Kwid has already been driven we will be only concentrating on the highlight of Kwid 1.0 i.e. new powerful engine. For detail review of Renault Kwid, click here.
Price:
The Kwid 1.0 is only available on the range topping RXT trim with prices starting at Rs. 3.82 lakh for RXT grade while optional airbag equipped RXT (O) sets you back at Rs. 3.95 lakh (both prices are of ex-showroom Delhi). That’s not much price when analyze on how much you’re getting in return.
Engine:
Coming to the biggest change, the new 1.0 litre three cylinder petrol engine taps 67bhp@5500rpm and 91Nm of torque@4250rpm. The power and torque figures are up by 13bhp and 19Nm against 799cc Kwid though the engine is linked to the same five speed manual gearbox that also powers standard Kwid variants. Power-torque ratio now stands at 96bhp/ton highest as compared to Hyundai Eon and Maruti Suzuki Alto thanks to 699kg of kerb weight.
However the additional weight and bigger engine has dented the mileage figures as it has gone down to 23.01 Kmpl from 25.17Kmpl on 799cc Kwid.
Performance:
Start up the engine and immediately you will feel the difference. The 1.0l seems to be quieter and less vibrating even at idle, feels smoother against its standard sibling. When we drove the 800cc Kwid on highways it almost lost lose its breath around the triple digit speed mark whereas 1.0l variant shines through all the way and makes you feel at home on highways. Handling may not be its forte due to soft suspension and skinny tyres but it has enough to lend confidence during the triple digit speeds. Kwid will soon be offered with AMT gearbox and thus will make it the perfect urban commuter.
The suspension is well damped and absorbs flutters without any fuss and this will surely mean to get appreciations from the occupants inside as it provide smoother ride to the occupants. The ride and handling is pretty good but it isn’t made for cornering as there is slight body roll and soft suspension. Brakes are effective but feel a bit spongy on hard braking and results in locking up the front wheels.
Exterior and Interior:
No major design changes have been done on the new variant except for the contrast silver wing mirrors, checkered sticker on the sides embedded with 1.0 on it. This means you get the same bold SUV-ish styling flanked by muscular front grille, squared off headlamps, body cladding, flared wheel arches and neat looking wraparound tail lamps.
The story continues to remain same inside as well and comes equipped the same 7 inch MediaNAV touchscreen system, large digital speedometer behind the steering wheel etc. Also you get the class leading boot space of 300 liters. Kwid still doesn’t get ABS on any of the variants while driver side airbags has been offered on top RXT (O) as option.
