Renault Future Plans - News Cars And New Strategy

 The worldwide chip shortage has delayed the planned 2021 introduction of the new Renault Captur SUV and Clio hatchback in SA, with the vehicles only likely to arrive next year.

Renault’s new Kiger compact crossover is still on track to go on sale here in September to replace the Sandero, while the French brand will also introduce facelifted Triber, Koleos and Duster range in 2021. The seven-seater Triber, which was launched in early 2020 with a normally-aspirated 1.0l engine, will also soon offer the option of a more powerful turbocharged unit.

In future, Renault SA plans to launch the new Arkana compact SUV-coupé while the Megane will be phased out due to dwindling demand for C-segment hatchbacks. The Renault Alaskan one-ton bakkie is scheduled for a local launch late in 2022.

In announcing the new model plans at a media briefing in Johannesburg last week, Jaco Oosthuizen, MD of Renault SA, also spoke about the brand’s new global transformation strategy called “Renaulution”.

Recently revealed by the new CEO of Groupe Renault, Luca de Meo, the strategy will see a focus on brand-building and profitability across the board, through a brand shift from driving volumes to creating brand value.

Oosthuizen called it a profound transformation from the aggressive expansion plan pursued by Carlos Ghosn, the former boss of the Renault-Nissan alliance who has turned fugitive.

There will be greater emphasis on building the individual brands within the Renault Group, as well as strengthening the various facets of the business by addressing inefficiencies.

De Meo also said Renault’s brand has been diluted, so it will need to cut back on the number of products within different ranges by about 30% and could also raise prices for its small passenger cars, or C-segment, by 25%-30%.

About 80% of the group volume will be on three alliance platforms, with engines rationalised from eight to four core families.

De Meo, who took over as Renault CEO in July 2020, said generating cash and restoring profitability was an immediate priority. Renault last year announced plans to cut about 15,000 jobs, shrink production and restructure French plants in a bid to save €2bn.

Renault’s new strategy is accompanied by a new visual identity, with a redesigned logo that lacks the Renault wordmark.

Locally, Renault SA is no longer a joint venture with Renault France. On April 23 2021 the local distributor became a 100% subsidiary of Motus Holdings after the latter bought the remaining 40% stake from the global group.

 

Check out the current Renault range and stay up to date with new vehicle launches on the Group 1 Renault website.

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Article from https://www.timeslive.co.za/motoring/

Renault Duster TechRoad Features Discussed

 

Faulting or improving on a winning package often rates as something of a daunting task, especially with an offering that seemingly ticks every box with absolute ease. Enter, once again, the Renault Duster for sale.

Never out of demand or in the spotlight as far as La Régie is concerned, it continued to surprise when the TechRoad derivative, fitted with the six-speed EDC gearbox and 1.5 dCi turbodiesel engine, arrived for the weeklong stay last year. Practical, well-kitted out and even trouncing Renault’s claimed fuel consumption figure, it rated, here it comes, as a hard to beat package.

It was therefore an unexpected and very confusing surprise when a glistening white Duster TechRoad arrived for a second seven-day stay, as nothing, at first glance, had seemingly changed on the outside or the inside. In fact, it was initially thought that the flagship Prestige model had been dropped off as the notion of it being the four-wheel-drive Dynamique soon disappeared as evident by the lack of 4WD badges on the front wings and the presence of the EDC box as opposed to the six-speed manual.

On quicker inspection, it was established that the only changes had been the removal of the TechRoad decals from the wings and a switch from red to blue wheel caps with the interior inserts on the cloth seats also being blue instead of red, the same applying to the detailing on the air vents and the Duster embroidered seatbacks.

Contrasted much better by the satin silver front skid plate, roof rails and the 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels than its Dune Beige coloured ‘predecessor’, the exterior still outshines the interior.

Arguably the Duster’s biggest black mark, the cabin is otherwise spacious with excellent rear head-and-legroom, the basic but still user-friendly seven-inch MediaNav touchscreen infotainment system and a capacious boot that measures between 478-1 623-litres. Aside from the colour, Renault has opted to keep the TechRoad’s specification and safety sheet unchanged.

As already mentioned, the TechRoad’s continued standout is its drivetrain. Producing 80kW/250Nm, the engine, once past the initial turbo-lag stage, shrugs the 1,276 kg kerb weight off with ease by pulling strong from low down in the rev-range while being matched perfectly to the smooth-shifting dual-clutch box. However, the combination didn’t manage to match the fuel consumption of last year which came to a best of 5.2 L/100 km as opposed to 4.7 L/100 km, which in any book still rates as mind-blowing after 592 km, seven days and with an indicated distance-to-empty of 550 km.

As small as the changes have been, it has not compromised the Duster in any way as it still rated as all the small SUV you will always need.

Renault’s are notoriously reliable and choosing to buy a used Duster is an extraordinarily good idea, because you can find a great quality Renault Duster at Group 1 Renault at a great price!

Article from https://wheelwonderings.postach.io/post/renault-duster-techroad-features-discussed

Renault Koleos Long Term Drive Feedback

 

After being parked for nearly two months, the Renault Triber finally went back to work with full force in the last month. Since it’s the only small big car in our long-term fleet, it’s our camera team’s first choice for a tracking vehicle or for transporting people and equipment. Not to mention, with the  Triber’s seven-seat layout, we all can also maintain social distance inside the vehicle. 

However, with full camera equipment and three heavy-weight people onboard, the Triber does struggle to gain momentum, especially with the aircon on full blast. However, once you get up to 50-60km/h, it doesn’t feel as ‘powerless’. So, the key is to thrash the motor in each gear and get up to speed really quickly. But this comes at the expense of fuel economy. However, more importantly, this aggressive driving style has affected my 'Eco Scoring’ (shows on the touchscreen) adversely, as my score now stands at 74 / 100. Plus, it’s given me a mediocre 3-star rating in the 'Gear shift’ category. On the upside, in 'Acceleration’, I have scored a 4, and I got a full 5 stars in 'Anticipation’. So, overall, I am happy that I haven’t completely gone down in the Triber’s estimation.  

Test drive the Renault Triber yourself at any Group 1 Renault dealership!

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Article sourced from https://www.autox.com/long-term-reports

Renault Captur Customer Reviews

Read these customer reviews if you’re in the market for a new or used Renault Captur for sale to get a real idea of whether it’s the car for you.

The car was chosen with some trepidation, but the Renault Captur has proved to be very good in all the major areas. The provision of a covered lower boot area has proved ideal for storing all the basic mechanical and safety equipment needed - keeps it out of sight and secure. Performance is good and has consistently supplied high 4.7l/ 100km and low 3.9l/ 100km.

I am very pleased with the performance and level of comfort in my Captur it comes with a few handy bells and whistles which have helped improve my driving economy.

Lovely car, lots of room, cheap to run & no road tax to pay. Nice looking car too! We went for an ivory & black roof which was very smart and received loads of compliments.

Changed from a sports crossover to this vehicle to give more leg room in the rear without compromising height off the road and to accommodate a partner not enjoying driving a big vehicle. Surprisingly pleased with the comfort, facilities, performance and economy. However, although I have owned 4 previous Renault vehicles, I have not had this one long enough to comment on the reliability.

Reliable with likable performance and features - the Captur for sale could be your next new ride.. If you dare - visit Group 1 Renault today!

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Article from https://devotedtorenaultautomobiles.weebly.com/blog/renault-captur-customer-reviews

The Renault Kwid Discussed By A Woman

 When Renault initially launched the Kwid, it was not expected to be as successful as it was and continues to be. Renault sells an average of 770 Kwids a month making it the 4th most popular passenger car in South Africa. Just a head of it is the Toyota Fortuner, the Volkswagen Polo and of course, taking the number one spot, is the Polo Vivo. 60% of Kwid owners are first-time car buyers and most of them are women between the age of 25-35 years.

The popularity came as surprise to many of us due to the fact that it was deemed a rather unsafe car. But it was no surprise when one looked at the price and what you got for that price. But Renault has now launched its updated Kwid and I am glad to say they have corrected some of the issues many of us had with the Kwid. 

The size has not changed in any way, but Renault claims the new rear axle and wheels improves road holding and therefore safety. I can’t say I felt much of a difference from the outgoing model, it is still a little wobbly on the road, but at least ABS, EBD and two airbags are standard across the range. There is also a seatbelt reminder for driver and passenger.

The engine is unchanged and remains the 1.0-litre Smart Control efficiency (SCe) engine which claims fuel consumption of 4.7l/100 km on the manual and 4.4l/100 km on the automatic.

It has a completely new design which is SUV-inspired and I have to say that I think it looks much better than the previous model. It even has a best-in-class ground clearance of 180 mm which makes ramping those pavements somewhat easier. It sports a new front facia which means a new bumper and a grille with chrome inserts. It boasts integrated headlamps as well as LED floating strips and LED taillights. The Kwid rides on 14-inch wheels.

Where the Renault Kwid features are really where the Kwid shines. When looking at the list, it is easy to forget that this is, in fact, a budget car. The three Renault Kwid trim levels available at Group 1 Renault are the Expression, Dynamique and Climber. I would opt for the Dynamique or Climber because the standard spec is impressive on these models. Some of the highlights are all-around electric windows, air conditioning, rear park sensors, a rear camera, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a fast-charge USB port.

But probably one of the most appealing things about the Renault Kwid is that it comes standard with a 1-year Comprehensive Insurance Cover, a 2-Year Service Plan, and a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Services take place at 15 000km intervals.

There is no denying this car is great value for money. If you’ve always had to rely on public transport, this car is a sure way to get into the car-buying market without having to break the bank.

PRICING

NEW Renault KWID Expression 1.0-litre SCe           R 157 900

NEW Renault KWID Expression AMT 1.0-litre SCe    R 172 900

NEW Renault KWID Dynamique 1.0-litre SCe           R 171 900

NEW Renault KWID Dynamique AMT 1.0-litre SCe       R 181 900

NEW Renault KWID CLIMBER 1.0-litre SCe            R 182 900

NEW Renault KWID CLIMBER AMT 1.0-litre SCe      R 192 900

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Article from https://bonjourrenault.wordpress.com/2021/05/15/the-renault-kwid-discussed-by-a-woman/

The Renault Clio Hybrid Is A Gem Of A Car

 Covid and quarantine delayed the international launch of Renault’s new hybrid line-up, as they have most things this year.

So rather than test eco-friendly versions of Renault Clio and Captur on marble-smooth roads somewhere sunny, Renault was forced to send them to Buckinghamshire, UK.

This is good because their lumpy, cheese-grater roads immediately show up any chassis weaknesses.

Now let’s start with Clio.

What a gem Renault’s Clio is. I’ve said it before but Clio has matured over the last 30 years like a fine wine in a French chateau.

Superb ride-quality, fizzy engines, low driving position and a plush, soft-touch cabin crowned by an upended iPad that warns of speed cameras and flags up fuel prices.

It’s almost as though this car was engineered by an actual person who leads an actual life.

The new E-Tech hybrid is the cherry on top.

The 1.6-litre petrol/electric combo gives you extremely good performance and economy — 140hp and 100km/h — and because the battery charges itself on the move, there’s no faffing about with a plug.

It’s the smoothest transition towards our electric future.

Clio starts in electric, reverses in electric and has a B-mode for stronger regenerative braking. This also means you can drive using only the throttle pedal if you’re good enough at anticipating traffic flow.

Why Renault no longer sells Clio by the boatload in the UK baffles me. I’ll just consider us lucky to still have the petrol Renault Clio range at Group 1 Renault in South Africa.

Article from https://www.thesun.co.uk/

2020 Renault Sandero Techroad Discussed

 

If your smartphone regularly updates you with motoring news, you will not only be able to catch all the updates while plugged into the Renault Sandero Techroad but you are also going to find out about the new third-generation Sandero that’ll be launched soon.

The new one, which made its global debut last month, has picked up a whole load more style than the Techroad specification being tested here. The segment it competes in recently dwindled with the exit of the Toyota Etios Cross and thus it competes with Ford’s new Figo Freestyle. You can include the smaller Suzuki Ignis and the larger Hyundai Venue in the mix.

People who buy small crossovers value space, simple running gear, some offroad height and an approachable price. They will not be disappointed with what the Stepway Techroad has to offer. There’s 2,590mm of wheelbase, a 292l boot and 193mm of ground clearance — all best in the segment. There’s also good head, shoulder and legroom and the rear seats flop down to increase loading space to make this a practical family car.

It isn’t an expensive-feeling interior but has a modern-looking fascia. The Techroad grade brings with it much standard spec, including unique cloth seats with blue-coloured sections that liven up the interior. 

When you plug in your smartphone into the USB port it becomes a hub of connectivity to your music collection, saved or streamed; and hands-free communication through Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which also beams phone-based navigational maps onto the main colour display screen.

The Techroad is available with one powertrain option. It’s a 900cc three-cylinder turbo with 66kW and 135Nm mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

Renault likes to punt the F1 technology in its production engines yet the performance and refinement of this triple-cylinder motor is a wheezy affair. It just isn’t tractable enough at low speeds or anywhere else in the rev range. You’ll need a deft clutch and throttle work when faced with steep driveways, more so on cold mornings. This also makes it frustrating to get it up to high speeds quickly.

Only once on the move and highway and cruising speeds are locked into the standard cruise control does the Techroad get on with being a fair drive, and an added positive here is that it doesn’t quaff fuel. It returned 6.0l/100km on average during a week of living with it.

There’s also not much of a balanced ride and handling dynamism to its front-wheel-drive chassis. It’s not that it won’t handle; you can carve out tidy lines on twisty roads but you’ll need to work harder.

Thankfully the clutch and gearbox action is light and precise enough to save the day but, all in, it’s not as fluid in operation and it will not trouble the Ford alternative. It did claw back brownie points with a good enough showing on a dirt road where it remained supple and its higher stance gave me more confidence to climb over slightly bigger obstacles.

But all this may be pointless to anyone wanting to buy new, as the new-generation Sandero will be with us soon. But, if you’re looking for a Renault Sandero for sale - you can get a 2020 Renault Sandero for sale for an impressive price at Group 1 Renault.

Tech Specs

Engine

Type: Three-cylinder turbo

Capacity: 0.9l

Power: 66kW

Torque: 135Nm

Transmission

Type: Five-speed manual

Drivetrain

Type: Front-wheel drive

Performance

Top speed: 168km/h

0-100km/h: 11.1 sec (claimed)

Fuel Consumption: 5.4l/100km (as claimed), 6.0l (as tested)

Emissions: 124g/km

Standard features

Brake assist, ABS, stability control, four passenger airbags, traction control, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, central locking, parking assistant with rear camera, USB port, aux input, air conditioning

Ownership

Warranty: Five years/150,000km

Maintenance plan distance: Two years/30,000km

Article sourced from: https://www.timeslive.co.za/motoring/reviews

Renault Triber: The New Budget Seven-Seater Tested

The all-new India-sourced Renault Triber 2020 landed in South Africa with a keen value proposition up its sleeve. Measuring less than 4 metres in length, but able to carry up to seven people, it's one of the smallest and cheapest ways to transport lots of people in one go.

Renault Triber 2020 prices started at R179 900 for the entry-level 1.0-litre Expression model and the mid-range 1.0-litre Dynamique model will cost you R10 000 more at R193 900. The car we have on test here, however, is the range-topping 1.0-litre Prestige, priced at R209 900.

With 100 seating configurations available, Renault says the Triber is highly adaptable to meet the dynamic needs of any consumer because it can be easily used as a one-seater utility vehicle, or a five-seater family car, or a seven-seater staff transporter.

With five seats in place, for instance, you have 625 litres of boot space available, which should be ample enough for holidays or monthly shopping.

Lots of kit

The Renault Triber is nicely appointed on the inside, particularly in the Prestige spec, coming standard with a reverse camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and Keyless Entry and Engine Start. Other standard-fit items include electrically-operated windows, power steering and central locking; the kind of stuff you'll expect to find in a modern, new vehicle at Group 1 Renault.

One of the coolest features, no pun intended, has to be the Triber's separate air-conditioning controls for rear-seat occupants. Because it was developed in India, and it can get really hot in India, Renault saw it fit to give the Triber added interior cooling capability. I like this feature a lot because it's the kind of feature you find in premium cars such as the Volkswagen Caravelle and Mercedes-Benz V-Class.

Safety-wise, you'll be pleased to note that Renault's done all it can (considering the price) to build a safe car too. Our test vehicle came with anti-lock brakes and four airbags. The Expression and Dynamique models also come with anti-lock brakes, but only dual front airbags.  

Needs grunt

The Renault Triber range is powered by a new generation petrol "Energy" engine that is tuned to deliver a balance of performance and fuel economy. It's a 1-litre 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated unit that generates 52kW of power with 96Nm of torque. It's different to the engine fitted in the Kwid range thanks to the addition of variable valve timing for maximum responsiveness at all revs. Renault says that because it sips just  5.5l/100km and because it's been designed with low maintenance cost in mind, this engine is ideal for South Africa.

For now, it's the only engine you can get in the Triber (with a five-speed manual gearbox), however, Renault is planning on releasing a turbocharged version early in 2021. This turbo version will also come with an automatic transmission option that might appeal to people who sit in a lot of daily traffic.

New world, new mobility

Because we're living in pandemic times, we didn't get to hit the long road to nowhere in the Triber during the test cycle, but I did manage to get on the highway and take a loop around Johannesburg to see what it's like up here, after experiencing it at its coastal launch earlier this year.

The car performs well enough with just a driver on-board, but it does struggle to make haste and keep up with traffic once speeds climb over 80km/h. I found myself constantly stirring the transmission between fourth and fifth gear to maintain 120km/h and at that speed it also became very evident that more sound insulation of the engine bay is required. Overall, NVH levels are excellent at this end of the market, but it's the under-performing engine that just makes it a bit stressful to drive (which with six other people on board can become even more challenging once social distancing is a thing of the past).

There's no arguing though that the Triber has arrived at just the right time for South Africans as we march toward an ongoing battle with coronavirus and national lockdown. It's the kind of car that offers so much value and spec and nice-to-haves that it's very difficult not to like and recommend.

If you're looking to downgrade from something more premium but still want space and practicality, it's an ideal candidate. If you are buying your first new car, it comes with all the things you need to keep you safe and entertained on the road.

When you take the car for a test drive, pay attention to things like the gear throw, the clutch feel and the steering feel. If you find that you can live with its weightings and don't mind the lack of grunt from the engine, then it's a no-brainer in terms of comfort, space, useability and value in this segment.

All of the new Renault Tribers come with a 2-year/30 000km Service Plan and 5-year/150 000km Mechanical  Warranty.

Article from: https://joiedevivrevehicles.tumblr.com/post/643182985207742464/renault-triber-the-new-budget-seven-seater-tested

Used Renault Duster - Buyer’s Guide

 We tell you about the things to check while looking out for a pre-owned Renault Duster for sale.

Used Renault Duster

The Renault Duster was first launched in India in 2012. It kicked off the compact SUV segment and was priced from R145,000 - R230,000. Renault offered the vehicle with a 1.6-litre petrol engine making 104 PS and 145 Nm while there was also a 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine available in two states of tune – 85 PS & 200 Nm and 110 PS & 248 Nm. The former got a 5-speed MT while the latter got a 6-speed MT.

Renault is still selling the same generation of the Duster in India but the vehicle has got quite a few changes over the years. Renault introduced an AWD variant with the 110 PS diesel trim first, then they got an AMT variant again with the diesel engine and then the petrol engine was replaced with a 1.5-litre unit with a CVT. The AMT and AWD were never offered together in a single variant. Currently, the Duster is only offered with a 1.5-litre BS6 petrol engine but a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine will make its way very soon.

The Renault Duster has seen immense popularity and the diesel variants fetched most of the sales. The older variants didn’t have too many features but subsequent updates ensured that the Duster got most of the necessary equipment on offer. 

Renault Duster – Overview

The Renault Duster was launched in India at a time when the compact SUV segment didn’t even exist. The relatively compact dimensions, sturdy suspension setup, durable nature and the workhorse diesel engine made the Duster an instant success and a worthy contender for those people who didn’t want an SUV as big as the Tata Safari or Mahindra Scorpio.

The design of the Renault Duster is very simple. You don’t get any creases, cuts or character lines but the car does look pleasant. The interior layout is straight-forward and functional and if you look at it today, well, it does feel outdated. The seats are decent for general use, there’s enough space at the rear and the boot is humongous.

The earlier models of the Duster used to get dual front airbags and ABS only on the top RxZ trim while the lower variants had to make do without these safety features. Even electrically adjustable ORVMs, keyless entry, reverse parking sensors and the likes were offered on the top variants only.

The petrol engine offered decent driveability but its fuel efficiency was far from impressive. The diesel engine really shone because of its reliable nature and the brilliant fuel economy. The 85 PS tune offered adequate performance and turbo lag was felt lower on this while the 110 PS tune offered much better punch but had more turbo lag too. When Renault introduced the AWD version, they worked on the engine and clutch too and the driveability became better.

The suspension has always been one of the highlights of this vehicle. It can take a lot of abuse, it loves gliding over potholes and the ride quality is just too good, even today. The steering is also quite feedback-rich and responsive. It is a bit heavier than other compact SUVs, weighs up nicely on the highways and gets a bit violent if you take turns at high speeds though. The AWD version made the Duster even more competent but sadly there are very few AWD units in the used car market.

Used Renault Duster Price

There are plenty of used Renault Dusters for sale at Group 1 Renault so this should give you a good leverage to negotiate with sellers. We recommend buying the diesel variants because the oil-burner has its own advantages over the petrol engine. If your budget isn’t tight, avoid going for old cars and lower trims. Instead, try to find 2016+ models. The Duster got a cosmetic update in 2016 with changes to the exterior, cabin and the addition of an AMT and this version of the Duster was quite good. Make sure you buy a variant that has dual front airbags and ABS.

Buy the AWD variant if you like off-roading but if you’re going to use the car for just commutes then it makes sense getting the AMT. Renault also offered the petrol engine with a CVT but sales weren’t that great. The diesel manual is also a good option if you don’t drive in heavy traffic everyday. For 2012-2013 models, you can pay R66,000 - R75,000 for a fairly maintained car. If a car is in exceptionally good condition, don’t hesitate to pay a slight premium. For 2014 models, you can pay R85,000 - R95,000. There are some dealers who quote obnoxious prices so you need to study the market properly before negotiating.

A price of R100,000 - R115,000 is a fair amount for 2015 models, though an AWD car is likely to cost more. 2016 facelifted models should have a realistic price of R120,000 - R135,000 while 2017 and 2018 models obviously cost more and the pricing depends on how much the car has run and how much warranty is left. The Duster got another facelift in 2019  and are of course available to buy as pre-owned cars now.

Original article from: https://www.motorbeam.com/

Renault Kwid 2020 Facelift Review

 The demand for SUVs has been and still is at an all-time high. Back in 2015, it was also the reason Renault introduced the SUV-like Kwid. It was designed with two different ideas merging together; the aforementioned demand for SUVs is what inspired its tall dimension and second, Renault’s aim of a small A-segment car which would bring volumes for the manufacturer. Working over this idea for the French manufacturer was Gerard Detourbet, who was also the brains behind cars like Logan, Lodgy and ever-so-popular Duster. Using his formula, Gerard Detourbet was well prepared for cracking the code for Renault India that has given the Kwid a successful 5-year run. In 2020, the Renault Kwid got its midlife makeover. With updated styling, interior design and features, it promises to be a more complete automobile. So without further ado, let’s jump straight in and find out what’s what.

Exterior

Jacked-up hatchbacks with SUV-inspired design elements have a tendency to fascinate most buyers. Plans to offer this package to customers in an A-segment hatchback was how the Kwid was conceived. For 2020, the new Kwid has received little to no styling tweaks in its side and rear profile, however, it is the front that is largely revised to help you differentiate the Kwid facelift from the car it replaces.

Moving further back, the bonnet design remains unchanged and so does most of the side profile. Renault designers have only changed the finish of the ORVM caps for a two-tone appearance, the design of the wheel caps and graphics on the plastic cladding over the doors. The wheel caps are now a 5-spoke design in comparison to the older car’s 3-spoke finish. The top-of-the-line Climber variants, however, get an option of multi-spoke alloy wheels. Apart from these minor details, the overall design remains untouched.

The rear fascia of the Kwid was always a sight for sore eyes and that design remains intact in this new iteration as well. The minor changes here include a new glow pattern for the tail lamps which now get LEDs for the stop lamp, while turn indicators and reverse lamps make do with halogen bulbs instead. Other changes that the Kwid gets with this facelift are reflectors integrated into the rear bumper. The pronounced crease on its boot lid in conjunction with the LED-taillamps this time has brought along a fresher appeal.

Renault has put in more effort on the styling at the front, while it seems the rear and the sides were treated more like step-children with this facelift. Thus, from the sides and rear, the Kwid does feel a tad aged.

At the front, the most evident change is the placement of the headlight assembly. The units have now moved further down from where they were previously placed. You now find them tucked in neatly to the bumper, in place of where you found the fog lamp units in the outgoing Kwid. At the top, filling the void left by the missing headlamp units are a pair of bright strip of DRLs accompanied by the turn indicators. The DRL assembly merges seamlessly with the grille to keep the essence of the original Kwid design alive. With this shift, the bumper also received a few changes of its own. It is now re-profiled to house the headlamps and a few extra faux air vents can now be found positioned below them. However, the car gets an all-black lip on the lowest-most part of the bumper and its design mimics that of a scuff plate. 

It also works as an air-dam to supply cool air to the radiator. Looking more keenly you’ll the grille has also been revised but with lesser chrome detailing this time. There is a slim chrome-plated strip that runs across the grille to merge with the sleek DRLs on either end. The honeycomb design on the grille remains intact but isn’t as bold as the previous design.

Interior

Just like the host of changes to the Kwid's front-end design, the interior is significantly revised. To start with, the steering wheel gets an all-new design. While it may resemble the old one slightly, the design is now even more contemporary looking. It is nice to hold with horn pads right in your reach and well-placed thumb contours for an easy 10-and-2 position. It is a flat-bottom unit and is quite sporty to look at as well. Behind the steering wheel is the instrument console, which now is a fully-digital unit. Part sharing from the Triber is evident here and also borrow cues from the Duster. The centre console is also new with revised placing for the power window switches and HVAC controls. In the centre of the dashboard now sits a larger touchscreen unit. The unit now measures 8-inches as compared to 7-inches in the outgoing Kwid. However, the number of speakers remain the same, with just two mounted on each door pad. What sets this infotainment system apart from the competition is the reverse parking camera, which the S-Presso misses out on.


The design of the dashboard on the passenger’s side has been redesigned as well. The glove box on top of the dash is now gone, replaced by big, bold lettering that spells 'KWID'. While the glovebox on the top is no more, the glove box found below is enormous by all means for a car of this size. It can easily store a half-face helmet without any hesitation. Along with this, the Kwid gets other storage spaces inside the cabin. The door bin on the front doors are large and can hold a 1-litre water bottle. There are cubby holes in the centre stack too. However, moving towards the rear bench, there are no door bins or cubbyholes to be found here.


While the new Kwid does have a lot going for it. Panels all around the cabin are hard and scratchy, albeit with upmarket fit and finish levels. Enhancing the ambience further is its upholstery. With red accents on seats and contrast stitching, the seats on the Kwid liven up the overall dark interior of the car.

Talking about the seats, we cannot explain just how comfortable they are. With adequate support from the side bolstering, the seats on the facelifted Kwid are ideal for pottering around cities. While cost-effectiveness may have sacrificed on cushioning, expecting premium-sedan-like comfort from them would not be justified. For the price you pay, the Kwid offers ample space and support to all its passengers.

How many passengers, you ask? The Kwid can accommodate 4 of them with ease, including the driver. Any more than that would be a tight squeeze. With that said though, the Kwid still proves itself to be a well-engineered combination of space and design.

On the whole, the new Kwid now gets a better in style and appeal, just with the updates in design and equipment.

 

Performance

The Renaut Kwid was offered with two different engine options for the customers at Group 1 Renault to choose from. One displaces 799 cubic centimetres and the second displaces 999 cubic centimetres. The rated output of the 799cc engine is 54PS and 72Nm, while the latter produces 68PS and 91Nm. Renault sent over its 1.0-litre unit for our test-drive review and us being the performance-hungry souls that we are, happily accepted.

Cranking the engine up, brought the 3-cylinder mill to life with a throaty hum and expected vibrations. While the engine did feel adequately powerful, it was the engine refinement and erratic power and torque delivery that were its weak point. Around the low rpm range, the car has a lot of grunt to pull itself along at a peppy rate. However, there is a large gap between how the the engine climbs revs and the car builds speed. Step on the throttle in a hurried manner and all your rewarded with is a louder whine from the motor and higher vibration through the steering wheel Instead, it is around the 3000 rpm mark on the tacho, that the engine actually starts to build momentum and numbers on your speedometer increase at a faster pace. With an uneven power curve, the car does not particularly excite you, yet it can easily do triple-digit speeds and hold them all day long. That said, cruising around 90kmph is what it does best and does so with ease. Helping it potter along such speeds with flair is also the well-tuned suspension.

The suspension setup comprises of basic McPherson struts on the front and twist beams with coil overs at the rear. Nothing fancy but these components help the car with the right amount of travel, progression, damping and adequate rebound. The Kwid can tackle the worst of the bumps and potholes with an assuring thud thanks to this mechanicals. Throwing it around the corners though is the scary bit, as the car likes to roll quite a bit thanks to the softly-sprung setup. Although, sticking to a lane and cruising in a straight line is a job it does better done than its competition.

The steering wheel is lovely to hold, as we mentioned earlier and that also inspires some sort of cornering confidence. However, being light, what it does best is allow the car to be very easy to use around the city. Making manoeuvres in a tight parking place or in slow-speed traffic conditions is easy, as the steering is feather-light. Albeit, it doesn’t gain any weight whatsoever, with the gain in speed. Thus, resulting in twitchy and unnerving driving dynamics.

The chassis is the strongest point of the Kwid’s driving behaviour. Coupled with a light steering, adequately powerful engine, soft suspension setup and perfectly tuned gearbox, the Kwid’s chassis makes the car a sprightly performer. Also, benefitting it are the 14-inch wheels, which are large enough to save on some rolling resistance.

Verdict

Renault has worked hard on giving the Kwid a new and distinctive face, with most of the effort going into sprucing up the design up-front. Summing it up, the Renault Kwid is a car that wins the budget hatchback segment’s beauty pageant.





Original article from: https://devotedtorenaultautomobiles.weebly.com/blog/renault-kwid-2020-facelift-review