The Renault Kwid 0.8 SCe (54 Hp) is a city car produced by the French manufacturer Renault between 2015 and 2018. While not officially sold in the United States, the Kwid is a significant vehicle in emerging markets, particularly India and Brazil, where it quickly gained popularity due to its affordability, compact size, and crossover-inspired styling. Positioned as an entry-level vehicle, the Kwid aimed to provide a practical and accessible transportation solution for a broad customer base. It represents Renault’s strategy of developing vehicles specifically tailored to the needs and economic conditions of these regions.
Renault KWID 0.8 SCe: An Overview
The Kwid falls into the crossover segment, though its dimensions are more akin to a supermini. It was designed with a focus on maximizing interior space within a small footprint, making it well-suited for navigating congested urban environments. The 0.8 SCe variant, powered by a small three-cylinder engine, was the base model, offering a balance between fuel efficiency and acceptable performance for its intended use case. The Kwid’s design incorporates SUV styling cues, such as a raised ride height and robust cladding, to appeal to buyers seeking a more adventurous aesthetic.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Renault Kwid 0.8 SCe is a 799cc (48.76 cubic inches) inline three-cylinder petrol engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 54 horsepower at 5678 rpm and 72 Nm (53.1 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4400 rpm. While not a powerhouse, the engine provides sufficient power for city driving and short highway trips. The power-to-weight ratio is 67.6 hp per liter. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 16 seconds, and 0-60 mph is achieved in around 15.2 seconds. The Kwid features a five-speed manual transmission, delivering power to the front wheels. Fuel economy is a key strength, with a combined fuel consumption of 3.97 l/100 km (59.2 US mpg or 71.2 UK mpg), and an emission standard of Euro 6.
Design & Features
The Renault Kwid boasts a crossover-inspired design, characterized by its bold front grille, sculpted headlights, and black plastic body cladding. Its compact dimensions – 3679 mm (144.84 in.) in length, 1579 mm (62.17 in.) in width, and 1478 mm (58.19 in.) in height – make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The vehicle offers seating for five passengers and features five doors for convenient access. A notable feature is its relatively high ground clearance of 180 mm (7.09 in.), which allows it to tackle uneven road surfaces and speed bumps with ease. Inside, the Kwid offers a basic but functional interior with durable materials. Safety features, while limited in the base model, typically include driver and passenger airbags. The Kwid’s design prioritized practicality and affordability, making it an attractive option for first-time car buyers and those seeking a cost-effective urban runabout.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | KWID |
| Generation | KWID |
| Type (Engine) | 0.8 SCe (54 Hp) |
| Start of production | May, 2015 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Crossover |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 3.97 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 59.2 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 71.2 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 25.2 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 16 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 16 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 15.2 sec |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Power | 54 Hp @ 5678 rpm |
| Power per litre | 67.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 72 Nm @ 4400 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 53.1 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 799 cm3 |
| Engine displacement (cu. in.) | 48.76 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Fuel tank capacity | 28 l |
| Fuel tank capacity (US gal) | 7.4 US gal |
| Fuel tank capacity (UK gal) | 6.16 UK gal |
| Length | 3679 mm |
| Length (in.) | 144.84 in. |
| Width | 1579 mm |
| Width (in.) | 62.17 in. |
| Height | 1478 mm |
| Height (in.) | 58.19 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2422 mm |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 95.35 in. |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 180 mm |
| Ride height (in.) | 7.09 in. |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.8 m |
| Minimum turning circle (ft.) | 32.15 ft. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Type of gearbox | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 155/80 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
The Renault Kwid 0.8 SCe, while not sold in the US market, represents a significant example of automotive engineering tailored to the specific needs of developing economies. Its affordability, fuel efficiency, and compact size made it a popular choice for urban commuters and first-time car buyers in regions like India and Brazil. The Kwid’s success demonstrates Renault’s ability to adapt its designs and technologies to meet the demands of diverse markets worldwide.
