Packed with features and priced to sell

THE Renault Kwid offers a little more ground clearance than most of its class rivals, while also offering the most comprehensive list of standard features in its class, which makes it one of the most popular entry-level new-car buys in South Africa.

OUR TEST CAR

With only 10 580km on the clock, this one-year-old Renault Kwid was in perfect condition inside and out. It even came equipped with four new 155/80R13 tyres.

PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMY

The Renault Kwid is powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine that produces 51kW and 91Nm of torque. Weighing in at under 700kg, it performs quite admirably. At low speeds in and around town it feels quite nippy. Considering its entry-level status and tiny engine, a 0-100km/h sprint time of around 13 seconds is not bad. With careful driving, it can achieve fuel-efficient figures around 5 litres per 100km.

THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE

The Kwid boasts 18cm of ground clearance to deal with the poor standard of roads that have become the norm in South Africa of late.

Although we loved the 3-cylinder engine note, we did find that the engine was too noisy at high engine revolutions. For entry-level vehicles at this price point, it is the norm. WHAT YOU GET AS A PACKAGE

Inside the Kwid, the plastic trim is durable and tough. I did like the electronic dash display but would have liked a rev counter as well.

Standard features include: air-conditioning, driver-side airbag, central locking, ABS braking, front electric windows, USB port, radio with Bluetooth connectivity, power steering, electronic dash display, and full-size spare wheel.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY

Despite its tiny frame, four adults can sit without too much of a squeeze. There is even a 300-litre boot, similar in size to a Ford Fiesta.

The Kwid has real character, something you would not expect at this price. But for the most part, the Renault Kwid is all about value for money and economy and there is just nothing that can compete at under R100 000.