Renault South Africa launched the first-generation entry-level
Kwid in November 2016. Three years later a new
Kwid has been launched and it seems the company has made it better than the original. That vehicle by the way, sold over 27 700 units, averaging about 770 units per month over the three year period. That makes it one of the most successful cars in
Mzansi. In fact, according to
Renault, it is the best-selling imported passenger car in the country.
So what about the new model? There are obviously styling improvements which include
LED daytime running lights for some models, a new face on the
front grille, a more
muscular look,
robust design, and a
tough stance. New
14-inch wheels and
rear lights with
LED guides complete the look. The new
Kwid definitely looks better than its predecessor in more ways than one.
The
18cm ground clearance gives it an advantage in terms of climbing over obstacles, although this does not include serious off-road situations.
Renault has installed a new
rear axle in order to improve the car’s road holding, one of the predecessor’s weaknesses. On the short drive along scenic
Gauteng roads we did not feel much of a difference. We will of course be paying closer attention to this aspect once we receive the car for a longer test period.
Kwid interior has seen a number of improvements, not least of all the higher-quality build materials used on the dashboard, doors, seats and so on. The new s
eat upholstery is tougher but
sportier, giving a more attractive look and feel.
Standard equipment includes
air conditioning,
electric front and
rear windows (previously only the front windows were electric), as well as a new
MediaNav infotainment system with a
20.32cm touch screen. This system has its own features that include
Bluetooth connectivity and the two connectivity apps currently in play;
Apple Carplay and
Android Auto.
Reverse parking sensors are standard across the range, while higher models also get a
reversing camera.
Side mirrors are also
adjustable from inside the car this time around. More safety features include
two front airbags and
ABS brakes
with
EBD. According to its maker, the new Kwid has class-leading boot space by the size of 279 litres.
Renault has used the
1.0-litre,
3-cylinder naturally aspirated engine in order to power the new
Kwid range. The engine produces
50kW at 5 500rpm, as well as
91Nm of torque at 4 250rpm. Not the largest figures out there, so performance is hampered, especially when the car is loaded.
Renault claims
4.7 litres per 100km in average fuel usage. A
5-speed manual is standard, while the
AMT semi-auto gearbox can be ordered optionally. The
AMT is certainly not the smoothest
semi-automatic option out there in the market and can thus be avoided if possible.
