Renault has launched its new small hatchback the Kwid in India. Pricing for the Kwid starts at a very aggressive 2.57 lakh for the base variant, going up to Rs 3.53 lakh for the top-spec trim that comes with touchscreen infotainment and a driver airbag.
Unlike its immediate rivals, the Renault Kwid looks more like a crossover than a hatchback with its high bonnet and waistline, and ground clearance of 180mm. However, competing against the likes of the popular Maruti Alto 800 and the Hyundai Eon won’t be an easy task, considering their brand value and widespread dealer network. With respect to the basic technical details, this is how the Kwid fares against the Alto 800 and the Eon on paper.
Under the hood
The Renault Kwid is powered by a 799cc three-cylinder petrol engine. This motor makes a maximum of 53.2bhp and 7.3kgm of torque and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
The Maruti Alto 800 gets driven by a 796cc engine which is good for 47bhp and 7.03kgm of torque and comes with a five-speed manual transmission.
In comparison, the Hyundai Eon's 814cc engine makes peak power of 54bhp and 7.6kgm of torque and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
| Engine specifications | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Renault Kwid | Maruti Alto 800 | Hyundai Eon | |
| Displacement | 799cc | 796cc | 814cc |
| No. of cylinders | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Power | 53.2bhp | 47bhp | 54bhp |
| Torque | 7.3kgm | 7.03kgm | 7.6kgm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
Dimensions
The Renault Kwid measures 3,679mm in length and 1,579mm in width. On the other hand, the Alto 800 has a length of 3,395mm and a width of 1,490mm. The Eon is 3,495mm long and 1,550mm wide. Dimension-wise, the Kwid is the longest and widest of the trio, which could indicate a reasonable amount of space on the inside.
In terms of ground clearance too, the Kwid leads at 180mm – a segment first. The Eon comes in second at 170mm, while the Alto 800 offers the lowest at 160mm.
The Kwid also gets the biggest boot space in its segment at 300 litres while the Eon and the Alto 800 offer 215 litres and 177 litres respectively.
| Dimensions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Renault Kwid | Maruti Alto 800 | Hyundai Eon | |
| Length | 3679mm | 3395mm | 3495mm |
| Width | 1579mm | 1490mm | 1550mm |
| Boot volume | 300 litres | 177 litres | 215 litres |
| Ground clearance | 180mm | 160mm | 170mm |
Features
The Kwid's top RXT trim is expected to get a first-in-segment, seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with four speakers along with radio, CD, USB, Aux and Bluetooth compatibility. It is likely to get an all-digital dashboard with a large readout at the centre that displays the cruising speed. It is flanked by the fuel gauge on the right and other warning indicators on the left. Additionally, it will come equipped with the basic necessities such as power steering, front power windows, air conditioning and central locking. There's also keyless entry and a navigation system.
The top-spec VXi trim of the Maruti also gets equipment like power steering, front power windows, air conditioning and central locking. Unlike the Kwid, it gets a basic two-speaker audio system with radio, USB and Aux compatibility. However, it gets tubeless tyres and offers a driver airbag as a paid option.
Just like the top Alto 800 trim, the Eon Sportz trim too gets a basic two-speaker audio system with radio, USB and Aux compatibility. But it also comes equipped with keyless entry, driver airbag and tilt adjustable steering.
The Renault Kwid is likely to be a strong contender in this segment. Its biggest strength will be its crossover-like styling which will appeal to buyers. Comparing the features on paper, it is evident that the Kwid wins against the Alto 800 and Eon, which gives it an additional advantage.