Page 51 - Car South Africa (February 2020)
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in 2016? Well, any improve- model have been left largely unad-
ment would likely be marginal dressed, still stemming from a de- The Kwid offers plenty of kit at the
as Renault SA disappointingly cidedly perched seating position
con rmed no changes have been and a lack of height adjustment price, with an eight-inch touchscreen
made to the vehicle’s structure. on the driver’s pew (the latter is
However, the French brand’s admittedly the norm in this seg- standard on some models
local arm did cryptically state the ment; just see the Hyundai Atos
facelifted Kwid has gained a “new road test on page 62). For taller
rear axle”, while 14-inch wheels drivers, this means a shortage of a new eight-inch touchscreen – more to lug around.
are now standard. Due to the headroom and the stowed sun complete with Apple CarPlay and Although Renault claims an im-
mysterious tweaks made to the visor partially obstructs the view. Android Auto functionality, and provement in road holding thanks
torsion-beam rear suspension and Add a xed steering column and relaying video from a reversing to the apparent ne-tuning of
the adoption of chunkier wheel those with lengthier limbs will camera – standard on Dynamique the rear axle and the adoption of
wells (plus a larger spare wheel), have to awkwardly adjust their and Climber variants. In addition, larger wheels, it proved dif cult
the luggage compartment has bodies to the controls rather than these derivatives gain a second to detect any discernible change
shrunk to 279 litres. the other way around. (rear-sited) 12 V power point, a on our brief drive. At times, the
Inside, the ergonomic shortcom- Still, at least the Kwid offers fast-charging USB port, rear power high centre of gravity and softly
ings which af icted the original plenty of kit at the price, with windows and electrically adjust- sprung suspension again deliver
able side mirrors. A redesigned an unsettling experience.
digital instrument cluster, revised While we applaud the inclusion
steering wheel and rear parking of ABS and dual airbags (but had
sensors, meanwhile, are stand- hoped for some additional struc-
ard across the range. tural reinforcements, as have been
The same powertrain is carried applied to the Brazilian-market
over with the naturally aspirated model), many of our misgivings
01 02
1,0-litre, three-cylinder petrol from that January 2017 road test –
engine still offering class-typical in which the original Kwid scored
03 04 outputs of 50 kW and 91 N.m. We a lowly 54/100 – remain. As does
again found the three-pot does the South African buying public’s
its best work – quite vociferous- enthusiasm for the nameplate.
ly – high up the rev range. It’s Add fresh looks, extra equipment
interesting to note the spec sheet and yet more value to the package
suggests the updated model and the Kwid’s local sales success
has gained around 40 kg, which story seems set to continue, safety
means the little engine has a bit concerns or not.
06
07
01 The eight-inch touchscreen boasts Apple
CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
02 A reversing camera is also included.
03 The steering wheel and instrument clus-
ter have been redesigned. 04 Climber model
gains a rear armrest. 05 Front-end styling
has been thoroughly overhauled. 06 Distinc-
tive LED daytime-running lights. 07 Climber
05
rides on 14-inch multi-spoke wheels.
CARmag.co.za CAR FEBRUARY 2020 49
