The Renault Kwid 1.0 SCe (68 Hp) Automatic is a city car and crossover marketed primarily for emerging markets, particularly India and Brazil. Introduced in May 2015 and produced through 2018, the Kwid aimed to provide an affordable and practical vehicle option with a slightly elevated ride height and styling cues borrowed from larger Renault SUVs. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding the Kwid provides insight into Renault’s strategy for price-sensitive markets and the growing demand for compact, crossover-style vehicles globally. This article details the technical specifications and features of the 1.0 SCe Automatic variant.
Renault KWID 1.0 SCe: Overview and Market Positioning
The Kwid was developed as part of Renault’s expansion into rapidly growing automotive markets. It was designed to appeal to first-time car buyers and those seeking a fuel-efficient and easy-to-maneuver vehicle for urban environments. The Kwid’s crossover styling, though modest in size, was intended to convey a sense of robustness and practicality. The 1.0 SCe Automatic version, equipped with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine and a five-speed automatic transmission, represented a step up in convenience and accessibility for buyers in these regions. It competed with other entry-level hatchbacks and small crossovers, focusing on value and affordability.
Engine & Performance
The Renault Kwid 1.0 SCe is powered by a 999 cc (60.96 cubic inches) inline three-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine. This engine produces 68 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 91 Nm (67.12 lb-ft) of torque at 4250 rpm. The power-to-liter ratio is 68.1 hp/l. The engine utilizes a multi-port manifold fuel injection system and a DOHC valvetrain. While not designed for high performance, the engine provides adequate power for city driving and light highway use. The five-speed automatic transmission offers smooth gear changes and enhances driving convenience. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 16 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in around 15.2 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 135 km/h (83.89 mph). Fuel consumption is rated at 4.2 liters per 100 kilometers (56 US mpg or 67.3 UK mpg), making it a relatively economical vehicle to operate.
Design & Features
The Renault Kwid is a five-door crossover with a compact footprint. It features a relatively high ground clearance of 180 mm (7.09 inches), contributing to its crossover appearance and ability to navigate uneven road surfaces. The vehicle’s dimensions are 3679 mm (144.84 inches) in length, 1579 mm (62.17 inches) in width, and 1478 mm (58.19 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 2422 mm (95.35 inches). The interior offers seating for five passengers and a trunk capacity of 300 liters (10.59 cubic feet).
Feature-wise, the Kwid 1.0 SCe Automatic, even in its base configurations, typically included power steering, air conditioning, and basic safety features. While specific features varied by market and trim level, the focus was on providing essential amenities at an affordable price point. The design prioritized practicality and ease of use, with a focus on maximizing interior space within its compact dimensions. The exterior styling incorporated elements of Renault’s larger SUV models, giving it a more modern and appealing aesthetic.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | KWID |
| Generation | KWID |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 SCe (68 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | May, 2015 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Crossover |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 56 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 67.3 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 23.8 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 |
| Maximum speed | 135 km/h |
| Maximum speed (mph) | 83.89 mph |
| Power | 68 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 91 Nm @ 4250 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 67.12 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 999 cm3 |
| Engine displacement (cu. in.) | 60.96 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 |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 300 l |
| Trunk (boot) space (cu. ft.) | 10.59 cu. ft. |
| 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 and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| 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 |
In conclusion, the Renault Kwid 1.0 SCe Automatic represented a significant offering in the entry-level crossover segment of emerging markets. Its combination of affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality made it a popular choice for first-time car buyers and those seeking a reliable and economical vehicle for urban transportation.
