Renault Kwid vs. Suzuki S-Presso: Which is the best value?

Styling

The new Kwid adopts a cheeky, yet sophisticated SUV-look with plenty of cladding, roof rails, and those contemporary eye-catching headlamps in the bumpers, with LED daytime running lamps are set a little higher up. The new Kwid is slightly longer and wider and its stance looks more aggressive; it's a handsome car for its price.

 

 

The S-Presso has a more innocent, unfussed look, and stands taller in its little boots. It's cute, but it's not very fashionable-looking, but I like its retro-vibe. Its boxy shape also helps to create more interior space. 

 

 

Space and practicality

With the roof of the Kwid being quite low, adults getting into the back are prone to bump their heads. And, once you're inside the Kwid, rear headroom is also at a premium while rear legroom is very limited as well. Only kids up to about 12 will be comfortable on the Kwid's rearmost seat.

The rear seat of the Kwid can be folded, and it has more boot space: 279 litres with all seats up and 620 with the seats folded. Cloth seats are standard, while the S-Presso's seats are partially vinyl. Entry-level Expression models are without the touchscreen, while the S-Presso GL also has to do without.

S-Presso GL+ models are equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, as is the Kwid in Dynamique trim. There's quite a big difference in price between these two variants, though, which already puts the S-Presso in the lead.

 

Related: Read our Suzuki S-Presso launch report here

The S-Presso's general cabin ambience feels a bit more upmarket than the Kwid's, and there's plenty more space in the back. The higher ceiling creates more headroom and even legroom is generous for the segment. A small family with older school children may find the S-Presso quite suitable for the daily slog to school and back, but there's a little less room for suitcases and sports bags in the S-Presso as opposed to the Kwid (boot space in the S-Presso is calculated at 239 litres.) However, due to the extra height in the S-Presso's boot, you'll be able to stack those sports bags on top of the suitcases. The seat back can be folded to make more room in the boot.

 

Related: New city hatchbacks! Datsun Go, Renault Kwid, Hyundai Atos and Nissan Micra

 

Drive and performance

Both the Kwid and the S-Presso are equipped with 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre, naturally aspirated engines. Both engines have outputs of 50 kW but performance feels decidedly perkier in the S-Presso. The two micro-SUVs weigh more or less the same, but the Kwid weighs in at a slightly lighter 736 kg than the S-Presso's 770 kg. Both models should be equally light on fuel, giving you around 5 - 6.5 litres per 100 km.

The consensus among motoring media is that the handling in the S-Presso feels more stable and composed, the cabin seems more hushed, and suspension is more comfortable over speed bumps. (The S-Presso is built on Suzuki's well-known Heartect platform which also underpins the Swift, Dzire and Ignis, all known for their solid handling characteristics.)

With the last Kwid facelift, we were still not quite sold on the drive and handling. I felt one needed to constantly stir the 5-speed manual gearbox to keep the Kwid going, and it had a tendency to stall rather too easily. At highway speed the Kwid also didn't feel as surefooted as one would like. I wasn't a huge fan of the Kwid's AMT (automated manual transmission) gearbox either. 

Related: Why the new Renault Sandero Stepway Plus is an ideal first car

 

 

Safety spec

All models in the new S-Presso range feature two airbags as standard and is fitted with and anti-lock braking system (ABS) with emergency brake-force distribution (EBD). All S-Presso models have reverse parking sensors as standard, while GL+ and S-Edition models gain a reversing camera. The S-Presso's purchase includes a 3-year/unlimited km roadside assistance plan, which also includes emergency medical rescue, as well as "stand-by-you" roadside security and locksmith support.

The Renault Kwid is equipped with the same amount of safety equipment. Entry-level Expression models have rear-park distance control, while a rearview camera is only available in the Dynamique and Climber variants. Renault offers five years / up to 150 000 km of roadside assistance, but no medical rescue services.

 

Aftersales

The Suzuki is sold with a 5-year / 200 000 km mechanical warranty, 6-year anti-corrosion warranty and free insurance for a year. A 2-year / 30 000 km service plan is also included. The Kwid has a service plan for the same amount of time and distance, as well as a 5-year/150 000 km warranty and free insurance, also for one year.

 

Verdict

The entry-level Suzuki S-Presso GL MT is exactly R10k cheaper than the least expensive Kwid in the line-up, despite having the same amount of safety equipment. The GL+ model is only R5k more expensive than the GL model, but gains the touchscreen which is only standard from the R154 900 Kwid 1.0 Dynamique MT. As a whole, the S-Presso offers more space inside, is more practical, has a higher seating position, and feels more stable on the road. The Suzuki's engine and platform are also well known for their reliability and longevity. The clear winner is the Suzuki S-Presso.

 

Prices

Suzuki S-Presso

• 1.0 GL MT                               R 134 900 
• 1.0 GL+ MT                             R 139 900 
• 1.0 GL+ AMT                           R 152 900 
• 1.0 S-Edition MT                      R 147 900 
• 1.0 S-Edition AMT                    R 160 900

Renault Kwid

• Renault Kwid 1.0 Expression MT             -      R 144 900   
• Renault Kwid 1.0 Expression AMT           -      R 154 900
• Renault Kwid 1.0 Dynamique MT            -      R 154 900
• Renault Kwid 1.0 Dynamique AMT          -      R 164 900
• Renault Kwid 1.0 Climber MT                  -     R 164 900
• Renault Kwid 1.0 Climber AMT                -     R 174 900

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