Renault adds KWID Auto on International Women’s Day!

By Farzana Chaumoo

Renault SA has launched an automatic KWID on International Women’s Day. With the majority of their KWID-buyers being young females, Renault SA has brought in the automatics for their ladies!

The Renault KWID has been a very controversial car on the South African market. On the one end we have people praising it, on the other hand, people are seriously bashing it.

From a safety point of view, many complaints were warranted, as the KWID was launched with a lack of important safety features such as ABS. But in India, where cars like these reign the open streets, it’s made to be an affordable option.

It’s commonly known that South Africans buy with their pocket and that safety is not a deal-breaker, which is why these cars are available in developing countries, but not in Europe or the United States.

KWID Sales

Now, not to get too technical into LSM segments, but the KWID is a vehicle to get you from point A to B if you’re on a tight budget and prefer to have your own car. The lack of safety features would then make the car suitable for those who don’t need to travel long distances on a daily basis. Or, perhaps for someone who needs a car but is not on the road every single day. However, Renault SA has been exceptionally pleased with the sales volume of the KWID. The automaker reported sales figures of 10,544 units sold since launch, and on average 659 units a month.

What you need to keep in mind is that the KWID is an entry-level car with an entry-level price. Its lack of luxurious features is what keeps it accessible to the masses. Now I can stand and argue with other journalists about this car all day while sales in India keep rolling. On the Indian market alone, 100,000 units were sold in the first year. Sales were made up of motorcyclists who upgraded to a car.

KWID offerings

Whatever else the car lacks would come at a higher price, but aside from its poor dynamics, the KWID offers you everything you could possibly need. It is overall well-equipped for its price, beating some rivals with its standard features.

The KWID’s engine and styling have been kept the same, but there is a new transmission on offer called an AMT (Automatic Manual Transmission).

What gets it moving?

Power is sent to the front wheels via a 1.0-litre (999cc) 3-cylinder Smart Control efficiency (SCe) engine that puts out 50 kW @ 5500 r/min and torque of 91 Nm @ 4250 r/min. It has a claimed fuel consumption of 4.7 litres/100 km on manual models and 4.4 litres/100km on the AMT model.

The engine is mated to an automatic 5-speed transmission. This Easy-R Technology has been designed to “make driving effortless”. It is operated through a dial on the center console that has 3 modes – Reverse, Neutral & Drive. Renault says this system “automatically optimizes gear shifting according to driving conditions for smooth and regular acceleration”.

Standard features

For your entertainment, it has a 7-inch (18cm) Touchscreen MediaNav with Bluetooth, USB, AUX and MP3 playback. The MediaNAV system is available on Dynamique models only.

In terms of safety features, there is still no ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) but there is one airbag for the driver. Convenience is enhanced by front electric windows, manual air-conditioning and remote central locking standard on all derivatives. There is also a full-size spare wheel beneath the boot floor.

Inside, the seats are relatively comfortable, the cabin is considerably spacious and there are sufficient storage pockets around the car. The KWID also seats five passengers and has a best-in-class boot space of 300 litres.

Its high driving position (thanks to its class-leading ground clearance of 180mm) will also give you good visibility on the road ahead.

Our drive

For starters, this was my first drive in a car with this kind of transmission. We got to take the KWID through the city, as we exited Cape Town, and headed for Club Mykonos in Langebaan, Western Cape. Our drive took us through the beautiful beach town of Melkbosstrand before heading out on what seemed like a long-distance highway.

Before our drive out, we were shortly briefed on the AMT. Although I had already read up on it prior to the launch, it was explained differently and we were told not to use the Neutral gear. So, we didn’t. Did we need to? I’m not sure and I guess I’ll never know.

Our drive in the KWID AMT was unique and very memorable! At times when the car would be changing gears, it would seem as though the car was braking, or the engine would die for a second. It is a super-noisy engine and you’ll hear it go flat when it changes gears. It’s also jerky in nature and has little directional stability. The steering requires constant input from the driver, which made my little arms feel a bit strained after 80kilometres.

However, on the positive end, the KWID can hold its speed. Even though it has ‘finger-light steering’ it seemed a bit firm, but it’s secure when you turn. Its small size may cause it to get shaken by strong gusts of wind, and sudden braking may throw it out a little, but then it’s also really easy to park.

Verdict

As mentioned before, the majority of KWID-buyers are young females who are just starting out. I can agree that as a first car, this would be a viable option. And while it lacks in the dynamics department it certainly makes up for it in looks, style and equipment.

The little KWID is not built for long-distance trips but mostly for the city, where it shines at the price.

Pricing

NEW Renault KWID Expression 1.0-litre SCe                         R 126 900

NEW Renault KWID Dynamique 1.0-litre SCe                        R 136 900

NEW Renault KWID Dynamique AMT            1.0-litre SCe   R 146 900

The Renault KWID model range comes standard with a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Services take place at 15 000km intervals.

The KWID model range also currently offers 1-year Comprehensive Insurance Cover.

To find out what Stuart Johnston thought of the new Kwid Auto, please click here.