Page 86 - Motoring World (January 2020)

convenient in traffic, but that’s just sceptical about taking these to a dirt But my brother in the S-Presso
the tip of the iceberg. For example, track, especially with AMTs, but we constantly seemed to be getting away
the S-Presso is listed in the SUVs lined them up nonetheless. which is why I started using the
section on Maruti Suzuki’s website The track had sections of soft handbrake. I didn’t catch him, but it
and not in the hatchback list. And sand/dirt, hard packed and bumpy did make me feel like a WRC driver.
the Renault Kwid, in Climber trim, mud, and a couple of short straights. A while later, I hopped into
has a more rugged appearance. So Perfect. I started out with the Kwid, the orange Maruti and everything
what better way than putting that taking it gingerly at first. But it felt instantly felt a little taller, a bit
prowess to the test, eh? And yes, so composed, I immediately started further away. The steering felt
we’ve stuck to their AMT versions pushing it harder. And my heart nowhere as nice to hold as the
because, well, practicality. lit up with joy. The engine revved thicker, smaller unit in the Renault
Both come with 1.0-litre engines smoothly as I approached a corner. and the brakes didn’t have the same
with almost-identical power/torque A dab of the brakes was all I needed feedback. What did feel far better,
outputs. But what makes them to shave speed before turning hard though, was the way the engine
so enjoyable is their low weight; as the Kwid scampered away with revved. Man, was it quick! Both
both are under a tonne each. And a hint of understeer on the loose cars might have 67 bhp, but the
because they are low on power, 60 surface. Does the AMT help? Of S-Presso was noticeably faster. But
kph feels like 120 kph. And it is this course not. It always wanted to when I reached the first turn, there
combination of low weight and low shift just before I entered a corner, was noticeably more body roll, too,
power that makes them so much which isn’t really conducive to going thanks to its height and suspension
fun. Luckily, the good guys at the fast, but it wasn’t so bad once I setup. And while it certainly felt
Ajmera Indikarting didn’t mind got accustomed to predicting its quicker around the track, it didn’t
us hooning around to our hearts’ shifting habits. And pretty soon, my inspire the same amount of dynamic
content. Admittedly, I was a little confidence was through the roof. confidence that the Kwid did.

86 MOTORING WORLD | JANUARY 2020