Renault launches the new Kwid – the cheapest car in South Africa

Renault has officially launched the new Kwid in South Africa.

Earlier this week, we reported that Renault had updated the small hatchback for our market, lowering its price tag in the process.

Now, the French carmaker has confirmed that the Kwid range has been repositioned, slashing its sticker down from R196,999 to R178,799.

This makes it the cheapest car in South Africa, undercutting the Toyota Vitz by a mere R1.

Cheeky marketing strategy aside, the hatchback’s model selection has also been updated, as the entry-level Life and mid-range Zen trims have been renamed the Evolution and Techno, respectively.

However, the range-topping Climber’s name is unchanged.

Renault also stated that new features will be added to the Evolution and Climber starting in November, as the base model will gain an 8-inch touchscreen, while the Climber is being upgraded to six airbags.

Features

The Kwid is a hatchback, but Renault often refers to it as a “micro SUV” because of its above-average 180mm of ground clearance.

It also has a 279-litre boot, which is slightly bigger than most other hatchbacks in its segment.

Starting in November, the base Evolution will come with LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, 14-inch steel wheels, central locking, a multi-information driver display, manual air conditioning, cloth seats, electric windows, rear parking sensors, two airbags, and an 8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Techno and Climber will then add electric side mirrors, front fog lamps, roof rails, a rearview camera, and up to six airbags.

Engine

The Kwid’s powertrain is unchanged, which means you can expect a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with 50kW and 91Nm.

The Evolution is only sold with a five-speed manual gearbox, but the Techno and Climber also have access to a five-speed automated manual transmission (AMT).

In either case, the hatchback consumes an average of 4.9l/100km.

Pricing

The South African pricing for the new Renault Kwid is as follows:

• Renault Kwid 1.0 Evolution – R178,799
• Renault Kwid 1.0 Techno Manual – R199,999
• Renault Kwid 1.0 Techno Auto – R209,999
• Renault Kwid 1.0 Climber Manual – R212,999
• Renault Kwid 1.0 Climber Auto – R222,999

Each purchase comes with a 5-year/150,000km warranty, a 2-year/30,000km service plan, and one year’s comprehensive insurance.