Launch Drive: Renault Kwid AMT
There comes a time in one’s life when one has to admit being wrong, and the no such time has been bigger recently than after Renault launched the Kwid. The questions were loudly asked: “Why no ABS?” and “Why no passenger airbag?” And because us motoring journos are usually right (or so we think) we pontificated that the car would be a miserable failure and the public would see right through this Indian imposter.
Man were we wrong.
Kwid sold 1000 units in December alone and if you take out rental sales it’s the 6th best selling car in the country! SIXTH! The statistics are staggering: 60% of Kwid owners are first time buyers and 70% are black woman aged 25-35.
“But it has no ABS?”
So let’s address the concerns first. Yes, Kwid gets 1 star for crash safety but consider that safety standards have gotten much stricter over the years and that 1 star is still a pass. ABS is currently in the works for 2019 and so is the passenger airbag but the current model will still be on sale, and it will more than likely sell well. With one year’s free insurance and Kwid makes a fantastic argument for being a game changer for the first time buyer looking to “get out of the hood”.
Kwid has class-leading boot space
More than just mobility
It’s much harder being a young upwardly mobile go-getter when you can’t stay late at work to have that all important one on one with the boss, or grab an early morning coffee with your manager. Networking and working late hours is an important part of building a long-term career. Many South Africans cannot call mom or dad for a lift home and rely solely on our fractured public transport system. Add to that that 1 star is still safer than sitting in a taxi with no seatbelts or, risking South African public transport after dark. Suddenly a cheap, reliable and warrantied car starts to sound very appealing.
Turning the dash mounted “gear knob” takes some getting used to
Bring in Kwid AMT
Kwids automated manual gearbox is a strange contraption that takes a while to change gears and will take even longer to get used it. Cog swapping is handled by actuators and the cars ECU but the usual pause between gear shifts needs to be observed. Some say it feels more sprightly than the manual but I didn’t notice much difference. For first time drivers that have never driven a manual car, it should be a cake walk after just a few kilometres and some tips from your local Renault dealer.
Verdict
Kwid AMT creates an entry point into the market for those not wanting to, or unable to drive a manual. If Renault bringing in the Kwid AMT means that those that want to get mobile have the opportunity to own the cheapest automatic car on the market, receive free insurance and can now start climb the ladder to success through mobility. Then I’m all for it.
RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICING
- NEW Renault KWID Expression 1.0-litre SCe R 126 900
- NEW Renault KWID Dynamique 1.0-litre SCe R 136 900
- NEW Renault KWID Dynamique AMT 1.0-litre SCe R 146 900
Renault KWID model range comes standard with a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Services take place at 15 000km intervals. Optional service plans are available.
The KWID model range also currently offers 1 Year Comprehensive Insurance Cover
