Renault Kwid: If ever there was one car that shook up the Indian entry-level hatchback segment, it has to be the Renault Kwid.
Ever since this subcompact entered the market, it’s found for itself a good take by virtue of providing SUV-like styling combined with fairly good functionality at a very affordable price point – something that resonates well with first time car buyers and city dwellers.
But five years later, in 2025, the Kwid still a good car in the face of increased competition and user demands?
Let’s size up what the new Renault Kwid still does do well—and where it’s creaking at the seams.
Design Mini SUV in Disguise
Image First impressions count, and the Kwid gets the look right. Unlike the majority of segment rivals, it doesn’t resemble a generic small hatchback.
Instead, this one carries a bold upright stance on some SUV-like design cues—like high ground clearance, thick cladding and split headlamps.
Up front, the front grille, smooth looking LED DRLs and angular tail lamps add to its personality, and with dual tone paint options and sporty looking wheels, it makes quite an impression in motion.
There are years that have passed since it was launched, and yet it is still one of the best looking cars in its segment.
Interior: More Than Just Plain
Open the door, and you’ll discover a clever cabin that doesn’t shout “budget”. Dashboard is basic but serves its purpose.
Top-spec models receive a fully digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system that comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, some other quirky features to be found in this class.
Comfortable seating for city commutes but if you’re well over 6 ft the rear of the car will be a squeeze.
At 279 litres, boot space is impressive for a small car, and ample for everyday needs or weekend trips away.
Engine and Performance: A city commuter at its heart
Powering the Renault Kwid is a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine that makes about 67 bhp and 91 Nm of torque.
You can mate this engine with either a 5-speed manual or an AMT automatic gearbox.
For the city it’s enough of an engine. It’s zippy in traffic, nimble to park and doesn’t exact too great a toll on your wallet.
The steering is gentle, the ride is tolerably comfortable over broken pavement patches, and it’s easy to park, even on crowded urban streets.
But if you want to do some highway driving or make quick overtakes, the Kwid isn’t designed to do that. It’s tuned for mileage and city practicality, not speed thrills.
Fuel Economy: A Balm for the Pocketbook
This is where the Kwid excels. It’s set up to squeeze every last drop of fuel out of it, with ARAI-certified mileage figures in the 22–22.5 km/l region.
In actual city use 17–18kmpl is what you can expect which is still very good for a petrol hatch.
Factor also Renault’s affordable service bills, and the Kwid is also a very cheap car to own in the long term.
Safety and Features: The Essentials, but No Frills
The Kwid is now fitted with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, and a seatbelt reminder, which are standard across variants to comply with current safety regulations.
Additional features on higher trim levels include a rear-view camera with guidelines, a useful addition.
But it still doesn’t have rear wipers or adjustable headrests, which some competitors have started to offer.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Bold SUV-inspried design.
Reasonably priced with some features that actually work
Affordable to run and on fuel
Easy to drive in the city
Surprisingly large boot space
Cons:
It feels underpowered on the highway
Lack of legroom in the back for taller pasengers
Subpar build quality in some areas
Not as many safety features as competitors
Not suitable for very long drives
Renault Kwid: And the verdict: A Smart Pickup in the City
The Renault Kwid still remains one of the most stylish, and practical small cars in its segment.
For a first-time car buyer or someone in need of an economical commuter, it checks the right boxes — good-looking, fuel-sipping, and loadout with useful tech.
Yes, it’s not without its imperfections. But as a good, practical and stylish choice for urban dwellers on a budget, Kwid remains an entirely sensible choice in 2025.
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