Other Pineapple Smurf
Honorary Master
I had a Fox shapped Jetta from the mid-80s that also had issues with rust. It happens, but not acceptable.
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The Renault Kwid Thread (Kwid Lovers)
- Thread starter FiestaST
- Start date
I had a Fox shapped Jetta from the mid-80s that also had issues with rust. It happens, but not acceptable.
Other Pineapple Smurf
Honorary Master
But its still as safe as they average car on South African roads. Reality is that economics speak average Joe is more interested in a car he can afford than one will be repossessed after 6 months.
Do admit education plays a role. Personally I would argue the importance of safety until recently when I upgraded my basic i10 for something safer as I started to become a bit more responsible and worry about my family in the car. I also need to protect my income for my family and a safe car is one way. I see too many accidents on my daily commute to now value car safety features.
But hey, for somebody that wants something to go to the shop at 20km/h I think this car is perfect.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
R2k pm....
airborne
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What rust warranty do they come with? most cars have a 10yr rust warranty these days, granted it only applies to the first owner so perhaps not terribly helpful in many instances.
R2k pm....
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Oh dear....I really hope the "Renault Ruster" name does not catch on here.
My old man has the feather duster (1.6 4x2) since launch (late 2013) & his is running tops & no rust.
My old man has the feather duster (1.6 4x2) since launch (late 2013) & his is running tops & no rust.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Renault South Africa has introduced a new entry-level model near the very bottom of the budget hatch barrel. The new Kwid is available in two trim levels, which represent the sixth and tenth cheapest of all cars sold in our market, and are only outdone in price by a handful of Chery, Datsun, Tata and FAW variants.
The Kwid is unstable at speed, but is well equipped at the price.
Safety concerns
Of the ten lowest priced cars, only three (both FAW V2s and a Chery QQ3) come with dual airbags and ABS brakes. Both Renault Kwids are fitted with one airbag for the driver, but neither are specced with ABS.
While its price point and well-stocked standard features list may be a tasty proposition for some, safety is a concern for the new Kwid, which scored only one out of five stars in Global Ncap crash tests. In fairness, the version crash-tested was slightly different to ours, and was only fitted with an inertia reel seatbelt for the driver. In our market both front seats get retractable belts, though they’re still absent in the rear.
We’d advise families with small kids to look elsewhere, as child seat installation is severely compromised in the back of the Kwid. At the Durban-based media launch last week Renault South Africa said it hoped to introduce a Kwid derivative with more safety features in the future, but for now we’re stuck with substandard levels of occupant protection.
Nicely presented
Safety issues aside, the Kwid presents a strong case for itself. Next to its aforementioned rivals it’s by far the better presented car with sturdy-looking exterior styling, a neatly laid out interior and a healthy features list. Renault says the generous 180mm ground clearance and long suspension travel is SUV-inspired, even if we know this beefy setup is common to cars originating from India where a deteriorating road network makes ours look decidedly first world.
The Kwid’s cabin still leans heavily toward the budget end of the quality spectrum with scratchy plastics and bargain bin materials, but Renault’s done a good job of styling it all with a more upmarket feel. A full colour touchscreen (in the top Dynamique only) and a digital instrument cluster, as basic as it is, go a long way to elevate perceived hi-techness, and smartly upholstered seats can put some of its shoddier rivals to shame. Just don’t go poking around in the 300 litre boot, where exposed metal surfaces and cheap carpeting let the rest of the place down.
Standard fare in the entry-level Expression model includes niceties like air conditioning, front power windows and a simple stereo system with Bluetooth, auxiliary and USB inputs - the latter an unusual inclusion at this end of the segment. The fancier Dynamique version adds fog lights, a two-tone dash, and a 7-inch touchscreen complete with Apple device support (music search functions and album art) and navigation, a feature that sometimes comes as an option in cars five times the price.
Feels unstable at speed
I drove the top Dynamique at launch, and while I hate to harp on about safety levels, I can’t ignore the fact that the Kwid felt very unstable, especially at high speed. There’s an alarming vagueness in the electronically assisted power steering which required constant attention to keep it straight in a lane, and the 155/80/13 non-name tyres were frighteningly narrow, compounding the 3.6 metre-long car’s tendency to wander.
The Kwid’s suspension is very soft, so at slow speeds it’s remarkably smooth over bumpy surfaces, but it too made for uneasy handling at speed. Our launch test route included a long highway section, where gusty coastal winds sent the hatch into uncomfortable swerves and veers. Even the wind pressure from overtakes of large SUVs required steering correction.
Power in both models comes from a 999cc three-cylinder petrol engine with 50kW and 91Nm, driving front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. At sea level these seemingly low outputs were fine for getting the 700kg Kwid up to speed, but on the open road it’s difficult to keep up with 120km/h traffic, especially on uphills. In Joburg’s thin air we suspect it might be quite underpowered.
The Kwid shares its basic platform and suspension with the Datsun Redi-Go - a new and improved version of the existing Go - which is expected to launch in South Africa sometime next year.
PRICES
1.0 Expression - R119 900
1.0 Dynamique - R129 900
All Renault models come with five-year / 150 000km warranties. For a limited time new Kwids will be sold with one year comprehensive insurance underwritten by Zurich.
http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/latest-launches/unstable-renault-kwid-faces-uphill-battle-2089839
The Kwid is unstable at speed, but is well equipped at the price.
Safety concerns
Of the ten lowest priced cars, only three (both FAW V2s and a Chery QQ3) come with dual airbags and ABS brakes. Both Renault Kwids are fitted with one airbag for the driver, but neither are specced with ABS.
While its price point and well-stocked standard features list may be a tasty proposition for some, safety is a concern for the new Kwid, which scored only one out of five stars in Global Ncap crash tests. In fairness, the version crash-tested was slightly different to ours, and was only fitted with an inertia reel seatbelt for the driver. In our market both front seats get retractable belts, though they’re still absent in the rear.
We’d advise families with small kids to look elsewhere, as child seat installation is severely compromised in the back of the Kwid. At the Durban-based media launch last week Renault South Africa said it hoped to introduce a Kwid derivative with more safety features in the future, but for now we’re stuck with substandard levels of occupant protection.
Nicely presented
Safety issues aside, the Kwid presents a strong case for itself. Next to its aforementioned rivals it’s by far the better presented car with sturdy-looking exterior styling, a neatly laid out interior and a healthy features list. Renault says the generous 180mm ground clearance and long suspension travel is SUV-inspired, even if we know this beefy setup is common to cars originating from India where a deteriorating road network makes ours look decidedly first world.
The Kwid’s cabin still leans heavily toward the budget end of the quality spectrum with scratchy plastics and bargain bin materials, but Renault’s done a good job of styling it all with a more upmarket feel. A full colour touchscreen (in the top Dynamique only) and a digital instrument cluster, as basic as it is, go a long way to elevate perceived hi-techness, and smartly upholstered seats can put some of its shoddier rivals to shame. Just don’t go poking around in the 300 litre boot, where exposed metal surfaces and cheap carpeting let the rest of the place down.
Standard fare in the entry-level Expression model includes niceties like air conditioning, front power windows and a simple stereo system with Bluetooth, auxiliary and USB inputs - the latter an unusual inclusion at this end of the segment. The fancier Dynamique version adds fog lights, a two-tone dash, and a 7-inch touchscreen complete with Apple device support (music search functions and album art) and navigation, a feature that sometimes comes as an option in cars five times the price.
Feels unstable at speed
I drove the top Dynamique at launch, and while I hate to harp on about safety levels, I can’t ignore the fact that the Kwid felt very unstable, especially at high speed. There’s an alarming vagueness in the electronically assisted power steering which required constant attention to keep it straight in a lane, and the 155/80/13 non-name tyres were frighteningly narrow, compounding the 3.6 metre-long car’s tendency to wander.
The Kwid’s suspension is very soft, so at slow speeds it’s remarkably smooth over bumpy surfaces, but it too made for uneasy handling at speed. Our launch test route included a long highway section, where gusty coastal winds sent the hatch into uncomfortable swerves and veers. Even the wind pressure from overtakes of large SUVs required steering correction.
Power in both models comes from a 999cc three-cylinder petrol engine with 50kW and 91Nm, driving front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. At sea level these seemingly low outputs were fine for getting the 700kg Kwid up to speed, but on the open road it’s difficult to keep up with 120km/h traffic, especially on uphills. In Joburg’s thin air we suspect it might be quite underpowered.
The Kwid shares its basic platform and suspension with the Datsun Redi-Go - a new and improved version of the existing Go - which is expected to launch in South Africa sometime next year.
PRICES
1.0 Expression - R119 900
1.0 Dynamique - R129 900
All Renault models come with five-year / 150 000km warranties. For a limited time new Kwids will be sold with one year comprehensive insurance underwritten by Zurich.
http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/latest-launches/unstable-renault-kwid-faces-uphill-battle-2089839
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Yes, we know, you have mentioned it a few times already.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Renault's new budget-buster: Kwid arrives in SA
Renault Kwid
1.0 Expression SCe: R119 900
1.0 Dynamique SCe: R129 900
Looking at the latest figures, it appears that new cars are harder to sell in South Africa right now than green cards to the newly Trumped US.
Figures released by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA in October show new vehicle sales have declined by 10.1% to 48 745 units, compared with 54 239 vehicles sold in October 2015.
As the money-sucking festive season approaches, cash-strapped South Africans will be looking high and low for a good deal. Roll in the new budget-friendly Renault Kwid, with the looks of a cute crossover and a price tag to celebrate.
Over the latest decade, car-buying South Africans have become a nation in love with sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and crossover utility vehicles (CUVs). The crossover segment – basically a refined SUV – is the fastest-growing vehicle segment, both internationally and locally.
A few weeks ago I took a trip to a heat-waved Durban to test what Renault is describing as a “hot new SUV-inspired hatch set to make waves in the entry segment”.
On paper the Kwid looked worryingly frail, emitting just 59kw power and 91Nm of torque from her 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine. But on the drive out of Durbs I soon learnt not to judge a car on pure numbers.
Weighing in at just 700kg, her reduced weight gives the Kwid an impressive power-to-weight ratio. Instead of being sluggish, as I’d feared, there was a surprising amount of action under the bonnet on our drive. However, out on the open roads, travelling at the national speed limit with strong winds to contend with, her light weight forced a bit of extra driver focus to comfortably stay within our lane.
In urban settings the Kwid felt a lot more at home, especially with her impressive power-assisted steering wheel, which made turning tight corners and parking a pleasure. That’s not to say the Kwid won’t fare well on challenging surfaces.
Although Renault’s latest baby is not a pure crossover, she’s got some pretty decent ground clearance of 180mm. In terms of looks the Kwid is chunky and solid, and on the drive to Mtunzini, where the road surfaces were pretty shocking in places, the Kwid’s high-profile tyres soaked up the bumps and potholes like a real pro.
Inside, the Kwid impresses with space for five. Plus, she’s capable of holding a decent amount of luggage in the boot with her class-leading 300-litre load capacity. What really stands out is the refinement in the cabin and unexpected tech on offer, usually seen in higher-segment vehicles. There’s a nifty seven-inch touch screen infotainment/sat nav system imported straight from the Duster, which includes Bluetooth, USB, AUX and MP3 playback.
The main concern in the Kwid is on the safety front with the omission of ABS, plus there’s just one driver’s air bag.
My best advice is: If you’re looking for an urban ride, want a new car, have a limited budget and you don’t have aspirations of being the next speed-busting Lewis Hamilton, then the Kwid’s a no-brainer. Her fuel consumption, at just 4.7 litres/100km, will outdo most in the class.
The cherry on top is a year’s free insurance offered by Renault to sweeten the deal.
Rivals
Datsun Go 1.2 Lux: R123 900, uses 5.2 litres/100km (driver-side air bags on certain models, no ABS)
Kia Picanto 1.0 LS: R129 900, uses 4.9 litres/100km (driver air bag, no ABS)
Hyundai i10 1.1 Motion: R137 900, uses 4.8 litres/100km (driver air bag,
no ABS)
http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/renaults-new-budget-buster-kwid-arrives-in-sa-20161120
Renault Kwid
1.0 Expression SCe: R119 900
1.0 Dynamique SCe: R129 900
Looking at the latest figures, it appears that new cars are harder to sell in South Africa right now than green cards to the newly Trumped US.
Figures released by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA in October show new vehicle sales have declined by 10.1% to 48 745 units, compared with 54 239 vehicles sold in October 2015.
As the money-sucking festive season approaches, cash-strapped South Africans will be looking high and low for a good deal. Roll in the new budget-friendly Renault Kwid, with the looks of a cute crossover and a price tag to celebrate.
Over the latest decade, car-buying South Africans have become a nation in love with sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and crossover utility vehicles (CUVs). The crossover segment – basically a refined SUV – is the fastest-growing vehicle segment, both internationally and locally.
A few weeks ago I took a trip to a heat-waved Durban to test what Renault is describing as a “hot new SUV-inspired hatch set to make waves in the entry segment”.
On paper the Kwid looked worryingly frail, emitting just 59kw power and 91Nm of torque from her 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine. But on the drive out of Durbs I soon learnt not to judge a car on pure numbers.
Weighing in at just 700kg, her reduced weight gives the Kwid an impressive power-to-weight ratio. Instead of being sluggish, as I’d feared, there was a surprising amount of action under the bonnet on our drive. However, out on the open roads, travelling at the national speed limit with strong winds to contend with, her light weight forced a bit of extra driver focus to comfortably stay within our lane.
In urban settings the Kwid felt a lot more at home, especially with her impressive power-assisted steering wheel, which made turning tight corners and parking a pleasure. That’s not to say the Kwid won’t fare well on challenging surfaces.
Although Renault’s latest baby is not a pure crossover, she’s got some pretty decent ground clearance of 180mm. In terms of looks the Kwid is chunky and solid, and on the drive to Mtunzini, where the road surfaces were pretty shocking in places, the Kwid’s high-profile tyres soaked up the bumps and potholes like a real pro.
Inside, the Kwid impresses with space for five. Plus, she’s capable of holding a decent amount of luggage in the boot with her class-leading 300-litre load capacity. What really stands out is the refinement in the cabin and unexpected tech on offer, usually seen in higher-segment vehicles. There’s a nifty seven-inch touch screen infotainment/sat nav system imported straight from the Duster, which includes Bluetooth, USB, AUX and MP3 playback.
The main concern in the Kwid is on the safety front with the omission of ABS, plus there’s just one driver’s air bag.
My best advice is: If you’re looking for an urban ride, want a new car, have a limited budget and you don’t have aspirations of being the next speed-busting Lewis Hamilton, then the Kwid’s a no-brainer. Her fuel consumption, at just 4.7 litres/100km, will outdo most in the class.
The cherry on top is a year’s free insurance offered by Renault to sweeten the deal.
Rivals
Datsun Go 1.2 Lux: R123 900, uses 5.2 litres/100km (driver-side air bags on certain models, no ABS)
Kia Picanto 1.0 LS: R129 900, uses 4.9 litres/100km (driver air bag, no ABS)
Hyundai i10 1.1 Motion: R137 900, uses 4.8 litres/100km (driver air bag,
no ABS)
http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/renaults-new-budget-buster-kwid-arrives-in-sa-20161120
FiestaST
Honorary Master
boeriebuffet
Senior Member
Looks like this could become a little gold mine for Renault
Foxhound5366
Honorary Master
I am yet to see a made-in-India car from any manufacturer that I would actually buy. Rent for a day, maybe, but never buy. When you cut that many production costs, no clever engineering will help.
stroller
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Not a Swift or a BR-V or a Jazz?
The Indian assembled Baleno will be sold in Japan.
Hamster
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EcoSport too if I'm not mistaken
stroller
Expert Member
- Joined
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And Figo.
Foxhound5366
Honorary Master
Honda Brio ... Toyota Etios ... Ford Ecosport ... Ford Figo ... I think about every Indian-assembled car I know, and the common theme is "serious production compromises". I can also think of some budget cars that have been made where they've felt more solidly built or with a bit more purpose (remember the Fiat 500 or Kia Rio when they were still affordable?). Heck, even my humble old Hyundai Atos had some attention to detail in it, while the feeling I've gotten from Indian-made cars I've experienced is "That'll do, what more do they expect at this price?" I blame the well-known car brands for chasing unrealistic price points and committing brand suicide along the way.
But hey, maybe I need to experience the new crop to see if anything's changed.
ahoudet
Expert Member
Well, I've spent a little bit of time in the Atos and a lot in both the old and new Picantos as well as the facelift Figo.
The Figo is definitely a lot nicer than the old Atos and Picanto in terms of drive and build quality. Those two just feel tinny and weak in comparison to the Figo. The new Picanto is better than the Figo though.