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South African motorists love small vehicles as much as they love SUVs and bakkies, this basically gives an answer as to why Renault decided to design the Kwid as a mini-SUV looking vehicle.
Since the launch of the Kwid in November 2016, over 23 000 models have been sold in South Africa alone and the model still sells strong in excess of 700 models a month, with 1098 units sold in August.
Its biggest rival this model faces is the Datsun GO, which includes standard features such as reverse parking sensors, intermittent wipers, central locking, an immobiliser, ABS, driver and passenger airbags, and retractable seatbelts. Both vehicles are fairly affordable, fuel efficient, and its finding their way in to the driveways of many homes around Mzanzi.
SEE: GALLERY: Renault Kwid 1.0 Dynamique
Image: Wheels24 / Leigh-Ann Londt
I find the Kwid to be nippy and the 2019 model made a great comeback where safety features are concerned by adding an anti-lock braking system, seatbelt warning alarms, and remote central locking.
It also beats the budget and has a favourable cost of ownership. For a car this affordable, it comes with electric windows on the passenger and driver side, aircon, a user-friendly 7" touchscreen multimedia system, and all controls are within easy reach for a passenger and most importantly, the driver.
Image: Wheels24 / Leigh-Ann Londt
The features of the Kwid enhances its mini SUV appeal. The segment is spacious and accommodates five people comfortably with a boot space of 300 litres. The black, red and grey fabric seats gives the Kwid interior a unique sporty feel and look of its own.
It's 1.0 litre, 3 cylinder powered engine is paired to a 5 speed manual gearbox that delivers an outstanding 4.7/100km and pushes out a peak of 50kW. Any first time driver will enjoy its drivability and how responsive this model is even at low revs.
Image: Leigh-Ann Londt
The Kwid is an affordable entry-level vehicle with a unique style exterior and a well thought out interior along with its cabin space that will meet the needs of first-time drivers, an elderly couple on pension, someone who works as a nanny and even a small family needing an ideal vehicle to be carted around in over a weekend or on a daily.
Image: Wheels24 / Leigh-Ann Londt
This model has one of the lightest engines within the 1.0 litre range and comes with a 5-year or 150 000km mechanical warranty, a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty, and all services scheduled at 15 000km intervals.
The Renault Kwid pricing starts at R137 900, including one year Comprehensive Insurance cover plan, a 2 year service plan and five years' Warranty.
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