Renault’s beloved and controversial Kwid recently underwent a significant facelift.
We say both controversial and beloved, because the Kwid infamously scored one star in its Global NCAP test. Yet Renault continues to sell thousands of Kwids to adoring South Africans. In October, Renault sold 1 056.
Whatever your personal feelings about this car may be, the newest version is now available in South Africa, featuring even more of everything that made it such a huge hit.
From the outside, the Kwid is more muscular than before and it comes as standard with new 14-inch wheels with more aggressive wheel covers. The new design highlights include SUV styled headlamps with silver streak LED daylight running lights, and tail lamps with LED light guides.
On the inside it has new upholstery fabrics, chrome finishes, steering wheel and a new centre fascia and meter cluster with sportier graphics. The list of standard features includes air-conditioning, electric front and rear windows and electrically adjustable door mirrors.
The highlight of the interior remains the MediaNav infotainment system, now larger than before. The eight-inch touchscreen display features radio, Bluetooth connectivity, as well as the convenience of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The addition of a reverse camera and park distance sensors are also included in the revamped model.
The Kwid’s powertrain remains unchanged. The 1.0-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine delivers 50kW and 91Nm of torque. It is paired to a five-speed manual or a five-speed AMT gearbox.
Renault claims it only consumers 4.7 litres/100km in manual guise and 4.4 litres/100km with the AMT transmission.
As for safety, the Kwid now has dual front airbags, as well as ABS brakes across the whole range. A seat belt reminder presents an added safety feature. The road holding is enhanced thanks to the new 14-inch wheels and rear axle.
The model range comes standard with a one-year comprehensive insurance cover plan, a two-year Service Plan, and a five-year/150 000km mechanical warranty and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty. Services take place at 15 000km intervals.
Pricing:
Expression 1.0-litre SCe R 144 900
Expression AMT 1.0-litre SCe R 154 900
Dynamique 1.0-litre SCe R 154 900
Dynamique AMT 1.0-litre SCe R 164 900
CLIMBER 1.0-litre SCe R 164 900
KWID CLIMBER AMT 1.0-litre SCe R 174 900