Renault KWID 1.0 RXE CNG

Finding the perfect car in India is quite an adventure, isn't it? We all look for that sweet spot where our budget meets our desires. You want a car that's safe for your family, doesn't break the bank with monthly maintenance, comes packed with the latest features, and is backed by reliable company service. It's a big ask, but one car that often pops up in these discussions is the Renault KWID. And now, with rising fuel prices, the demand for fuel-efficient options has never been higher.

That's where the new Renault KWID 1.0 RXE CNG steps in. It promises to be a compelling choice for Indian car buyers looking for an affordable, stylish, and super economical city car. Let's dive deep and see if this KWID variant truly delivers on its promises.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.0L Smart Control efficiency (SCe) Petrol engine
• Displacement: 999 cc
• Maximum Power (Petrol Mode): 68 PS (approx 67 bhp) at 5500 rpm
• Maximum Torque (Petrol Mode): 91 Nm at 4250 rpm
• Maximum Power (CNG Mode): 57 PS (approx 56 bhp) at 5300 rpm
• Maximum Torque (CNG Mode): 78 Nm at 4250 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual Transmission
• ARAI Certified Mileage (Petrol): Approx 21.7 kmpl
• ARAI Certified Mileage (CNG): Approx 34.0 km/kg

Design Overview

The KWID has always stood out with its SUV-inspired looks, and the RXE CNG variant continues this trend.

• Exterior: The KWID 1.0 RXE CNG retains the signature muscular stance, high bonnet line, and aggressive front grille that give it a mini-SUV feel. You'll find sleek headlamps and C-shaped LED tail lamps (on some variants) that add to its modern appeal. The robust cladding around the wheel arches also enhances its rugged look, making it a head-turner in its segment.
• Interior: Step inside, and you're greeted by a clean and practical cabin. While the RXE is a more budget-friendly trim, it offers a well-laid-out dashboard with a digital instrument cluster. The seats are comfortable enough for city commutes, and the overall fit and finish are decent for this price point. The focus is on functionality and space utilization, giving a roomy feel for a compact car.

Key Features

The KWID 1.0 RXE CNG is designed to offer essential comforts and conveniences.

• Manual Air Conditioner with Heater
• Front Power Windows
• Integrated 1-DIN Audio System with Bluetooth and USB connectivity
• Digital Instrument Cluster
• Driver & Passenger Side Sun Visors
• 12V Power Socket
• Central Locking

Please note that features like a large infotainment screen (over 8-inch), sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and automatic climate control are typically found in higher-end or premium segment cars and are not available in the KWID RXE CNG.

What is the Ground Clearance of the Renault KWID?

• The Renault KWID boasts an impressive 184 mm of ground clearance, which is excellent for tackling Indian roads and speed breakers with ease.

What is the Boot Space of the Renault KWID?

• The standard Renault KWID offers a generous 279 litres of boot space.
• However, in the CNG variant, a significant portion of this space is occupied by the CNG cylinder. This means the usable boot space will be considerably reduced, typically leaving enough room for a few soft bags or smaller items. This is a common trade-off for CNG cars.

What are the Dimensions of the Renault KWID?

• Length: 3731 mm
• Width: 1579 mm (without ORVMs)
• Height: 1490 mm (without roof rails), 1500 mm (with roof rails)
• Wheelbase: 2422 mm

Powertrain Options

The Renault KWID 1.0 RXE CNG comes with a dual-fuel powertrain.

• It runs primarily on its 1.0-litre petrol engine, offering decent performance for city driving.
• For maximum fuel economy, you can switch to the factory-fitted CNG kit, which offers significantly lower running costs.
• The car is paired with a smooth 5-speed manual transmission. Renault also offers AMT options in petrol-only variants of the KWID, but for the CNG variant, it's manual-only.

Safety Features

Renault has equipped the KWID 1.0 RXE CNG with essential safety features to keep you and your passengers secure.

• Dual Front Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Seat Belt Reminders (Driver & Co-driver)
• Speed Alert System
• Driver & Passenger Seatbelt Pretensioners (on some variants)

NCAP Rating Table

It's crucial to understand a car's safety performance. Here's what we know about the Renault KWID's NCAP ratings:

Note: These Global NCAP ratings are from older tests. Modern safety regulations and standard features like dual airbags in the current KWID model should offer improved protection compared to these older test results. We await updated independent crash test results for the current generation.

Rivals of Renault KWID 1.0 RXE CNG

In the highly competitive Indian market, the Renault KWID 1.0 RXE CNG faces off against some established players:

• Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 CNG: A long-standing rival, known for its extreme affordability and Maruti's widespread service network.
• Maruti Suzuki S-Presso CNG: Another micro-SUV inspired hatchback that directly competes with the KWID in terms of styling and price point.

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's break down the good and the not-so-good about the Renault KWID 1.0 RXE CNG.

Advantages:

• Excellent Fuel Efficiency: The biggest draw of the CNG variant is its impressive mileage, offering significantly lower running costs.
• Affordable Purchase Price: It's one of the most budget-friendly CNG cars available, making car ownership accessible.
• Distinctive SUV-like Design: Stands out from traditional hatchbacks with its rugged, tall-boy stance and decent road presence.
• High Ground Clearance: At 184 mm, it handles bad roads and speed breakers with ease, a big plus for Indian driving conditions.
• Decent City Performance: The 1.0L engine is peppy enough for city commutes, especially in petrol mode.
• Compact Size for City Driving: Easy to maneuver and park in congested urban environments.

Disadvantages:

• Reduced Boot Space: The CNG tank heavily impacts the boot, limiting luggage carrying capacity.
• Slightly Lower Performance in CNG Mode: Expect a noticeable drop in power and acceleration when running on CNG, which is typical for dual-fuel cars.
• Basic Feature Set (RXE Trim): While functional, the RXE trim misses out on some modern conveniences like a touchscreen infotainment system (found in higher KWID variants), steering-mounted controls, or automatic climate control.
• Refinement: While improved, engine refinement and cabin insulation could be better compared to some rivals.
• Older NCAP Ratings: While safety features have been added, the older Global NCAP ratings can be a point of concern for some buyers, though the current model should be safer.

Conclusion

The Renault KWID 1.0 RXE CNG positions itself as an extremely practical and economical choice for first-time car buyers, small families, or anyone looking for a reliable and super fuel-efficient city car in India. Its SUV-inspired design, high ground clearance, and excellent mileage are definite strong points.

Yes, it comes with the typical CNG compromises like reduced boot space and slightly subdued performance in CNG mode, and the RXE trim is basic in terms of features. However, if your priorities are low running costs, easy maneuverability in urban traffic, and a car that looks good without costing a fortune, the KWID 1.0 RXE CNG makes a very compelling case. It's a trustworthy companion that truly understands the Indian car buyer's pulse for affordability and efficiency. Before making your final decision, we always recommend a test drive to experience the car firsthand!