Renault KWID 1.0 RXT CNG

Hey there, car enthusiasts and future car owners! Choosing a new car in India is always an exciting journey, but it comes with a lot of thought. You are probably thinking about your budget, how safe your family will be, the dreaded monthly maintenance costs, what cool new features you can get, and of course, how good the company service is. Finding a car that ticks all these boxes can be tough, especially if you are looking for an economical daily driver.

Well, what if we told you there is a car that aims to deliver on many of these fronts, especially when it comes to keeping your running costs low? We are talking about the new Renault KWID 1.0 RXT CNG. This small hatchback with an SUV-like stance has been a popular choice, and now with a factory-fitted CNG option, it is gunning for even more hearts and wallets. Let us dive deep and see if the KWID CNG is the right fit for your garage.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.0L SCe (Smart Control Efficiency), 3-cylinder, naturally aspirated
• Displacement: 999 cc
• Max Power (Petrol): 68 PS @ 5500 rpm
• Max Torque (Petrol): 91 Nm @ 4250 rpm
• Max Power (CNG): 57 PS @ 5000 rpm
• Max Torque (CNG): 78 Nm @ 4250 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual
• Fuel Economy (CNG): Approximately 25.4 km/kg (ARAI certified)

Design Overview

Exterior

The Renault KWID has always stood out with its mini-SUV appeal, and the CNG variant retains this charming look. You get a bold, butch front fascia with split headlamp design, featuring LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) at the top and the main headlamps below. The muscular wheel arches and decent ground clearance give it a rugged feel, making it look bigger than it actually is. It comes with stylish multi-spoke wheels that complement its overall urban adventurer vibe. It is compact enough for city traffic but has enough road presence to turn heads.

Interior

Step inside, and the KWID offers a surprisingly spacious feel for its class. The RXT variant comes with a dual-tone grey interior, which looks premium. The dashboard design is clean and functional. You get comfortable fabric upholstery. While it is a budget car, Renault has done a good job making the cabin feel modern and practical with enough storage spaces for your everyday items. The digital instrument cluster adds a touch of modernity.

Key Features

The KWID 1.0 RXT CNG packs a decent set of features for its price segment:

• Infotainment Screen: An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Connectivity: Supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Digital Instrument Cluster: A sleek, modern digital display for driver information
• Rear View Camera: For easier parking
• Keyless Entry: With remote central locking
• Power Windows: Front power windows
• Manual AC: Efficient air conditioning system

Please note that features like a sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, or automatic climate control are not available in this segment or on the KWID.

What is the Ground Clearance of 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 Renault KWID?

The petrol KWID offers a generous 279 litres of boot space. However, in the CNG variant, the CNG cylinder takes up a significant portion of the boot. You will have a much smaller, usable boot space, typically around 80-100 litres for small bags.

What are the Dimensions of Renault KWID?

• Length: 3731 mm
• Width: 1579 mm
• Height: 1490 mm (1500 mm with roof rails)
• Wheelbase: 2422 mm

Powertrain Options

The Renault KWID is available with two powertrain options:

• 1.0L SCe Petrol Engine: Available with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) gearbox.
• 1.0L SCe CNG Engine: Available only with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Safety Features

The KWID 1.0 RXT CNG comes with essential safety features:

• Dual Front Airbags (driver and passenger)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Reverse Parking Sensors
• Seatbelt Reminder (driver and passenger)
• Speed Alert System
• Driver and Passenger Seatbelt Pre-tensioners

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a big concern for Indian buyers, and here is what you need to know about the KWID's NCAP ratings:

Rivals of Renault KWID 1.0 RXT CNG

In the highly competitive Indian market, the Renault KWID 1.0 RXT CNG faces stiff competition from:

• Maruti Suzuki S-Presso CNG
• Maruti Suzuki Celerio CNG
• Maruti Suzuki Wagon R CNG
• Tata Tiago CNG

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let us look at a balanced perspective of the Renault KWID 1.0 RXT CNG:

Pros

• Excellent Fuel Efficiency: The biggest draw of CNG, offering very low running costs, especially with rising petrol prices.
• Affordable Purchase Price: Competitively priced, making it accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
• SUV-like Styling: Stands out from typical hatchbacks with its rugged, appealing design.
• Good Ground Clearance: Handles bad roads and speed breakers with ease, a big plus for Indian conditions.
• Decent Features: 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity is a highlight in this segment.
• Compact Size: Easy to drive and park in congested city traffic.

Cons

• Reduced Boot Space: The CNG cylinder significantly eats into the boot, limiting luggage carrying capacity.
• Modest Performance: Power output drops in CNG mode, making it feel a bit sluggish, especially on highways or with a full load.
• Only Manual Transmission: No AMT option available for the CNG variant, which some city drivers might prefer.
• Safety Rating: The Global NCAP rating is a point of concern for some buyers, though it comes with essential safety features.
• Refuelling Hassle: CNG filling stations can sometimes have long queues, and their availability might be an issue in some areas.

Conclusion

The Renault KWID 1.0 RXT CNG makes a strong case for itself as a practical, budget-friendly, and incredibly fuel-efficient urban car. If your priorities are low running costs, an attractive design that stands out, and decent features for city commutes, the KWID CNG is definitely worth considering. It is a smart choice for new car buyers or those looking for a secondary city runabout.

While the reduced boot space and modest performance in CNG mode are trade-offs, they are common with most CNG cars. Overall, the KWID offers a compelling package, blending affordability with style and economy. Before making your final decision, we always recommend a test drive to see if it meets your personal driving style and needs.