For a hatchback starting under 5 lakhs, the Kwid stands strong with its peppy 1.0-litre petrol engine that comes with both manual and AMT gearbox. In terms of power, the hatchback delivers a total of 67 bhp at @5500 rpm and 91 nm torque redlining at @4250 rpm.

The overall performance of the model has gotten better since 2023 as the IDM went through the stage-2 BS6 upgrade. Moreover, it has the power potential needed when overtaking is required. 

When undergone in our performance test, the Kwid showed a smooth launch sequence and reached the 100-110 kmph mark without any hiccups. It also performed exceptionally well with its 22 kmpl mileage (AMT), while the manual variant is slightly under with a 21.7 kmpl reading. 

For a hatchback starting only from just 4.7 lakhs, the Kwid offers what you call a cosy and tactical experience on the inside. The cabin space is enough for midsize people, whereas the rear seat area proved to be cramped if invaded by 3 grown adults that are around 6 ft. Renault could have added height-adjustable driving seats for big individuals for a comfortable roaming space. On the contrary, seat belt reminders for rear passengers are a good addition for the current model running, and the leg space is okay overall.

We are disappointed with the material quality of the cabin, including the dashboard and door panels having cheap and hard plastic, however, the seats are commendable, and you can enjoy its cushy feeling during a long drive in your daily driving experience.

The model we inspected featured a LED digital gauge cluster and an 8-inch MEDIANAV touch display that had built-in Android Auto and Carplay. In terms of other features, the Kwid offers reverse parking sensors and electronically adjustable ORVMs, while the top-tier variants add a reverse parking camera with guidelines for a better parking environment. 

The boot space on the Kwid stands only at 279 litres, which is around 2.79 cabin baggage, as expected from this hatchback segment. 

Renault has sincerely worked on its fan-favorite hatchback model to make it more appealing to buyers, and words like fancy & muscular fit perfectly in its SUV-inspired design. The front view of the car is very detailed with a Western European approach, while the trifecta of its looks has to be the dual-tone flex wheels, split DRLs with silver accents, and a sleek front grill with a chrome finish. Moreover, the side cladding and skid plates ensure the necessary rough & tough appearance.

Despite providing a handful of colour options, the dual-tone paints hit differently, which are available as standard from the “CLIMBER DT” variant upwards. Also, the Climber-specific design is reserved for the top-tier “CLIMBER DT AMT” model only. 

Safety is not one of Kwid’s best attributes, and hatchback consumers will be disappointed in its safety-lacking areas, which we also found a bit challenging. 

The model offers dual airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, traction control, and an electronic stability programme as standard. On the other hand, the Kiger model does offer 6 airbags as standard, which is clearly a win for Kiger compared to Kwid. 

The most concerning aspect of the safety of Kwid is its safety rating, as it has not undergone NCAP crash testing.

Ride and Handling

Despite being a small hatchback, the Kwid ensures a smooth and comfortable ride experience in your daily driving, while the added standard features like Power Steering and traction control provide added safety. Also, the low-end torque provided by the engine makes it easy to drive in stop-and-go traffic and light city driving. 

The handling feedback on the Kwid is very responsive; however, in tight corners, we have encountered a slight body roll. Whether it's city roads or difficult terrain, Kwid’s SUV DNA comes to the rescue and keeps the car going with its commendable 184 mm ground clearance.

The 2025 Renault Kwid rolls into a declining but still strong entry-level hatchback field, priced from ₹4.70 lakh to ₹6.63 lakh (ex-showroom), with a new CNG variant at ₹5.45 lakh adding eco-appeal. We’ve pitted it against its top rivals. The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 (₹4.26 lakh-₹6.12 lakh) rules with a 1.0L petrol (67 PS, 89 Nm) or CNG (57 PS, 82 Nm), delivering 24.9 kmpl petrol or 33.85 km/kg CNG, and a vast service network, though its 214-litre boot and 3-star safety lag the Kwid’s 279 litres and 1-star GNCAP rating.

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso (₹4.09 lakh-₹6.64 lakh) mirrors the Alto’s engines, adds 180 mm ground clearance, and a boxy vibe, but its plasticky cabin doesn’t match the Kwid’s 8-inch touchscreen edge.

The Tata Tiago (₹5.65 lakh-₹8.90 lakh) flexes a 1.2L petrol (86 PS, 113 Nm) or CNG (73 PS, 95 Nm), a 4-star GNCAP badge, and 242-litre boot, outshining the Kwid’s pep and safety, though its pricier base trims cede value.
The Maruti Suzuki Celerio (₹5.64 lakh-₹7.20 lakh) offers a 1.0L petrol (67 PS, 89 Nm) or CNG (56 PS, 82 Nm), a plush ride, and 25.24 kmpl petrol efficiency, but its 313-litre boot comes at a higher starting cost than the Kwid’s ₹4.70 lakh. 
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios (₹5.98 lakh-₹8.56 lakh) brings a 1.2L petrol (83 PS, 114 Nm) or CNG (69 PS, 95 Nm), a refined cabin, and 260-litre boot, yet its premium pricing and 4-star safety don’t topple the Kwid’s budget king status.

We see the 2025 Kwid holding strong with its 184 mm ground clearance, 22.3 kmpl petrol or 25+ km/kg CNG mileage, and features like reverse camera and AMT at ₹5.45 lakh—rivals edge it on power, safety, or refinement, but not sheer affordability and practicality.

Featuring a rugged and muscular look with its SUV-inspired design, there isn’t much complaining about the Kwid’s dominance and demand in the hatchback market. Fitted with both looks and performance, this European-looking Renault offers consumer satisfaction and cost-efficiency potential like no other in the current market.