The Renault Kwid first came onto the scene in 2015 and has become a mainstay of South Africa's small city car brigade, serving as a popular choice amongst consumers looking for an entry-level offering that doesn't break the bank. That recipe has propelled the French brand's monthly sales figures, effectively becoming a best-seller overnight.
In its segment, the Kwid goes up against some formidable opposition like the Suzuki Celerio (priced from R174 900), Kia Picanto (priced from R198 995), and Mahindra KUV 100 NXT (priced from R167 999). The Datsun Go is as well, but the model is no longer sold as brand-new in the country anymore.
Thanks to Renault South Africa and Talk the Torque, we were able to sample the Renault Kwid in its top-specced Climber guise.
What you should know
Under the bonnet is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine that pushes out peak power of 50kW and 91Nm while paired to a five-speed automatic or manual transmission in a chassis that weighs a mere 735kg. All of this translates to fuel consumption figures of 4.4-litres and 4.7-litres/100km for the auto and manual derivatives, respectively.
In its segment, the Kwid goes up against some formidable opposition like the Suzuki Celerio (priced from R174 900), Kia Picanto (priced from R198 995), and Mahindra KUV 100 NXT (priced from R167 999). The Datsun Go is as well, but the model is no longer sold as brand-new in the country anymore.
Thanks to Renault South Africa and Talk the Torque, we were able to sample the Renault Kwid in its top-specced Climber guise.
What you should know
Under the bonnet is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine that pushes out peak power of 50kW and 91Nm while paired to a five-speed automatic or manual transmission in a chassis that weighs a mere 735kg. All of this translates to fuel consumption figures of 4.4-litres and 4.7-litres/100km for the auto and manual derivatives, respectively.
While the Kwid is not the biggest mode of transportation around, it houses a generous interior with sections like the passenger glove box, driver and passenger in-door storage space with 1-litre bottle holder, and rear parcel tray that totals 27-litres. Occupants can also use the 279-litre boot space. The interior has been updated, no longer feeling like when the first-generation model launched, instead sporting a slicker design & overall finishes.
Also present is an 8-inch touchscreen display that serves as the functionality for the radio and Bluetooth® connectivity, as well as being Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.
While the Kwid is an out-and-out city car, it sports an SUV-inspired look, starting with a bigger headlight housing and the addition of silver streak LED daytime running lights, rear LED light guides, and the introduction of a fresh new Zanskar Blue body colour to the range.
Here are other things you should know about the Kwid:
AA Spare Parts Pricing Guide (Entry Level Vehicles)
1st Datsun Go cheapest parts basket relative to it's price @R74 024, or 40% of it's list price.
2nd Suzuki Swift 42.28%
3rd Renault Kwid 46.71%
OEM VS Aftermarket
Spark Plugs (x1)
OEM: R23.28
Aftermarket:R43.33
Air/Oil Filter (Combined Unit Price)
OEM:R231.42
Aftermarket:R465.00
Additional add-on accessories
Adventure Pack, City Pack (Mud flaps etc)
Pricing
Kwid Life - from R174 400
Kwid Zen - from R184 400
Kwid Climber - from R195 400
The Climber comes standard with a five-year or 150 000km mechanical warranty and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty.
Now that you’ve got the knowledge, it’s time to shop! Head to gumtree.co.za or your Gumtree app (click for Apple & Android) and don’t forget to use your location settings to find local service information close to home.
