Renault seems to be on a steady mission to freshen up its entire India lineup. After updating the Triber last month and giving the Kiger a slight makeover just days ago, the company has now set its eyes on the Kwid. As Renault’s most affordable car in India, the Kwid has long been the entry point for many first-time buyers, and this upcoming update could help it hold its ground in a segment that’s slowly shrinking.
A Familiar Hatchback with a Fresh Touch
The Kwid has been around since 2015, and in nearly ten years, it has carved a name for itself among budget hatchbacks. Its first big facelift came in 2019, with sharper styling, chunkier wheels, and a much-needed feature boost. Since then, Renault has kept the car alive with small but useful updates like safety improvements and new tech features.
Last year, the smaller 800cc engine was dropped due to stricter emission rules, leaving only the 1.0-litre petrol motor in the lineup. That engine was also tweaked to meet E20 fuel norms, making it more future-ready. This time, Renault isn’t reinventing the wheel but is expected to give the Kwid a cosmetic refresh something that makes it look fresher inside and out while keeping costs in check.
What to Expect from the New Kwid
Renault hasn’t revealed the full details yet, but the buzz is that the changes will be more about style and comfort rather than big structural upgrades. Expect redesigned bumpers, new color choices, and perhaps some updated upholstery inside the cabin.
The Kwid already comes well-equipped for its price features like a digital instrument cluster, an 8-inch touchscreen, LED DRLs, and dual airbags give it an edge over rivals. With the update, Renault may polish the interiors further, improve materials, or even add connected-car tech to appeal to younger buyers who expect more from entry-level cars today.
The Kwid’s Place in a Tough Market
The Kwid has always gone head-to-head with the Maruti Suzuki Alto, which remains the king of small hatchbacks in India. But times are changing. The entry-level hatchback market has been losing steam as more buyers move toward compact SUVs. That makes the Kwid’s job even more crucial keeping Renault visible in a segment where fewer players are left. What still works in its favor is the SUV-like design, something buyers in this category love, along with a long list of features packed into an affordable package. It’s these strengths that have helped the Kwid stay relevant even when the segment itself is shrinking.
Engine and Performance, No Surprises Here
Under the hood, the story remains familiar. The Kwid will continue with its 1.0-litre petrol engine that puts out 67 bhp and 91 Nm of torque. Buyers will still get the choice of a 5-speed manual or an AMT automatic gearbox. For those looking at lower running costs, Renault will keep the CNG version as well. With 56 bhp on tap, it’s not the most powerful option, but with fuel prices climbing, the CNG Kwid makes a lot of sense for city users who want a budget-friendly commute.
Why This Update Still Matters
The changes might not be groundbreaking, but they’re important. In today’s market, even a few small tweaks like fresher interiors, better materials, and a stylish design touch can make a huge difference in drawing customers.
The Kwid has been a success story for Renault in India, with over half a million units sold so far. This new update is Renault’s way of making sure the Kwid doesn’t lose its charm and continues to attract first-time buyers, students, and families looking for a second city car. For anyone considering an affordable hatchback, it might just be worth waiting a little longer to see what the refreshed Kwid has to offer.