2019 Renault Kwid: Variants explained

Safety features like driver airbag and ABS are now standard

Renault has updated the Kwid for 2019 by making basic safety technology like driver-side airbag and ABS to even the base-spec variants of the hatchback. So with the new features added, we go through the all the variants to see which variant of the Kwid is the right option for you.

Let us first have a look at the colour options Renault is offering for the Kwid. They are Fiery Red, Ice Cool White, Moonlight Silver, Outback Bronze, Planet Grey and Electric Blue. Let us start off with the variants now.

Renault Kwid STD: Too bare bones, not recommended

Price (ex-showroom New Delhi) – Rs 2.67 lakh

The Kwid STD version is only available with the smaller capacity 0.8-litre engine and a manual transmission. Here are its key features:

• Black hub caps

• Mono-tone dashboard

• Heater (no AC)

• Manual steering wheel (no power steering)

• Front seats recline and slide

• Gear shift indicator

• Front and rear seat belts with ELR (emergency locking retractor)

• Front seats integrated headrests

• Rear seats integrated headrests

• ABS with EBD

• Driver airbag

• Driver and passenger seat belt reminder

• Speed Alert System

Is it worth buying?

Even though Renault has added the basic safety features to this variant, we do not recommend the STD variant of the Kwid. It does not get air conditioning and power steering and both these are basic features that we expect in anny modern-day car, even in the entry-level space. At its price point, most buyers are people who are looking to upgrade from a two-wheeler to a four-wheeler. And one of their demands from a car is an AC. It also misses out on power steering which is again a negative. Skip the STD variant altogether and have a look at the next one.

Renault Kwid RXE: Choose if on a tight budget

Price (ex-showroom New Delhi) – Rs 3.10 lakh

Premium over STD variant - Rs 43,000

The RXE variant of the Kwid is also only available with the smaller capacity 0.8-litre petrol engine and a manual transmission. Have a look at its features (over previous variants):

• Black decals on the doors

• Adjustable central air vents that can be closed too

• Rear seat gets a foldable backrest

• Air conditioner

• Lower glove box

• Sun visor on passenger side

• Engine immobiliser

Is it worth buying?

The RXE variant commands a premium of Rs 43,000 and for that kind of money, the only important feature added to this variant is air conditioning, which makes the upgrade a bit pricey. If you are on a strict budget and can’t spend further, only then go for the RXE. But remember, you will still not be getting a power steering.

Renault Kwid RXL: Our choice for people who don’t need 1.0-litre engine

Price (ex-showroom New Delhi) – Rs 3.36 lakh

Premium over RXE variant - Rs 26,000

This RXL variant of the Kwid can also only be had with the 0.8-litre engine and a manual transmission. Here are the additional features it offers over the Kwid RXE variant:

• Body-coloured bumpers

• Fog lamps

• Full wheel covers

• Full-size black decals on doors

• Intense Red upholstery

• Electric power steering

• Front power windows

• Single DIN stereo with radio AM/FM, MP3

• Bluetooth audio streaming & handsfree telephony with USB and AUX-in

• Front speakers (x2)

• 12V power socket

• Remote central locking

Is it worth buying?

Priced at a premium of just Rs 26,000 over the RXE variant (and Rs 69,000 over STD variant), the RXL variant of the Kwid is a much more value-for-money proposition. It also adds a lot of features that we consider basic nowadays, like an audio system and front power windows. Ideally, the RXL variant of the Kwid is the bare minimum that you should be buying, if you’re planning to buy the Kwid.

Renault Kwid RXT: Offers all powertrain combinations and most features

Price for 0.8-litre (ex-showroom New Delhi) – Rs 3.83 lakh

Price for 1.0-litre MT(ex-showroom New Delhi) - Rs 4.05 lakh

Price for 1.0-litre AMT (ex-showroom New Delhi) - Rs 4.35 lakh

Premium paid for 0.8-litre RXT variant over RXL variant - Rs 26,000

The RXT variant of the Kwid is available with the smaller capacity 0.8-litre petrol engine which is mated to a manual transmission. It is also available with the bigger 1.0-litre engine which can be had with with a manual transmission or an AMT. Here are the additional feature the RXT variant has over the RXL:

• Chrome on front grille and knob

• Two-tone glossy grey ORVMs (1.0-litre only)

• ‘Speed-sport’ designer graphics on doors - full size (1.0-litre only)

• Dual-tone dashboard

• Champion Red upholstery

• Upper glove box

• Rear parcel tray

• Cabin lighting with timer and fade out

• 7-inch MediaNAV touchscreen infotainment system

• Rear parking camera

• 12V socket for rear passengers

• Remote keyless entry with central locking

• Intermittent front wiper & auto wiping while washing

• Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

• Voice recognition

• Video playback via USB

• USB fast charger

Is it worth buying?

The RXT variant will appeal to a lot more people as not only is it packed with a touchscreen infotainment system, but will also look better on the inside, thanks to the cosmetic add-ons. In case of the 0.8-litre engine option, a premium of Rs 26,000 over the RXL variant is getting you a lot of extra kit which makes it a value-for-money proposition. For those looking to buy the 1.0-litre variant or getting an AMT variant, this is the least expensive option and fairly well loaded one at that. One of the major missing features would be the rear power windows and rear parking sensors.

Renault Kwid Climber: Choose if you like cosmetic upgrades

Price for 1.0-litre MT(ex-showroom New Delhi) – Rs 4.33 lakh

Price for 1.0-litre AMT(ex-showroom New Delhi) - Rs 4.63 lakh

Premium paid for 1.0-litre MT over RXT variant - Rs 28,000

Premium paid for 1.0-litre AMT over RXT variant - Rs 28,000

The Climber variant of the Renault Kwid can only be had with the bigger capacity 1.0-litre petrol engine. However, you have the luxury of choosing between a manual transmission and an AMT. These are the extra features you get in the Kwid Climber over the RXT variant:

• Two-tone orange ORVMs

• Rugged bumper overriders but misses out on a chrome grille

• Front & rear terrain protector

• Arching roof bars

• “Climber” insignia on front doors and rear windshield

• Door protection cladding

• Sporty steering wheel with “Climber” insignia

• Orange shades on steering wheel, side air vents and gear knob (manual version)

• Rear center armrest

• Orange upholstery with “Climber” insignia

Is it worth buying?

The Climber variant is all about cosmetic changes. The one additional feature of the Climber (over RXT) you will actually appreciate (only if you’ve bought it to sit at the back!) is the rear armrest. The Climber might seem like an expensive upgrade and only those who don’t mind spending a little extra to make sure that their car stands out from the crowd might like it.

 

Disclaimer: This article has not been edited by Deccan Chronicle and is taken from a syndicated feed. Photos: CarDekho.