The recently launched Renault Kwid hatchback impressed us during our drive earlier this month [Kwid Review HERE]. The Kwid primarily targets the Maruti Alto 800, Hyundai Eon and the Datsun Go. The Kwid is a very important product from the French car maker’s point of view as it seeks to establish itself as a volume seller in the Indian market, and hence, getting everything right is of utmost importance. Especially when you consider the competition which includes big names such as the Maruti Alto 800 and Hyundai Eon. Renault Kwid is a fine product capable of attracting buyers to Renault showrooms, but just how good is it? Find out here in our Renault Kwid vs Maruti Alto 800 vs Hyundai Eon vs Datsun Go comparison.
[box type=”shadow” ]Also See – Renault Kwid Pre-Launch Report[/box]
Renault Kwid vs Maruti Alto 800 vs Hyundai Eon vs Datsun Go- Price
The Kwid comes across as an unbeatable value for money. With a sticker price of little more than INR 3.5 lakhs for the top-end model, which comes with features like an airbag and Sat-NAV, the Kwid is really attractively priced. Even the entry-level variant is just slightly pricier than the Alto 800 LX, which retails for INR 2.46 lakhs. The Hyundai Eon is priced between INR 3.09-4.08 lakhs for the 800cc version and the 1.0 litre petrol version ranges from INR 4.09 to 4.22 lakhs. The Datsun Go is priced similar to the Eon ranging from INR 3.24 lakhs to INR 4.19 lakhs.
Renault Kwid Price List
- Standard – 2.57 lakhs
- RXE – 2.89 lakhs
- RXE (O) – 2.95 lakhs
- RXL – 3.11 lakhs
- RXT – 3.44 lakhs
- RXT (O) – 3.53 lakhs
Also See – Maruti Alto 800 vs Tata Nano GenX vs Hyundai Eon
[box type=”success” ]Spec-for-spec the Maruti Alto 800 is the cheapest car in this comparison. The Renault Kwid also comes out as a very strong value for money proposition.[/box]
Renault Kwid vs Maruti Alto 800 vs Hyundai Eon vs Datsun Go- Specifications
All cars, barring the Datsun Go are powered by 800cc petrol motors. The Kwid’s 796cc motor puts out 54 PS and 72 Nm of torque. It also boasts of best in class mileage of 25.17 kpl. The Maruti Alto 800 is powered by a 796cc petrol motor producing 48 bhp and 69 Nm torque. The Hyundai Eon’s 814cc motor is slightly more powerful producing 55 bhp and 75 Nm torque. The Datsun Go is likely to be the most powerful car of the lot with it’s 1.2 litre petrol churning out 67 bhp and 104 Nm torque. All cars come mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
The Hyundai Eon also comes with a 1.0 litre petrol which produces 68 bhp and 94 Nm torque. According to industry chatter, Renault could also launch a version of the Kwid equipped with a 1.0 litre motor in the future, but for now, only the 800cc motor will be available in the market.
[box type=”success” ]The Datsun Go is easily the pick of the lot as it gets a bigger, more powerful engine. [/box]
Renault Kwid vs Maruti Alto 800 vs Hyundai Eon vs Datsun Go- Features
Being entry level hatchbacks, the cars in this comparison are not exactly rich in features. All of them get the bare essentials such as air conditioning, power steering and front only power windows. The Renault Kwid will also feature a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with built in GPS, AUX and USB support. The Datsun Go is the only vehicle which gets follow me home headlamps. It misses out on electrically adjustable wing mirrors, though, which are offered on the Alto and Eon. All the cars get optional driver side airbags, but none of the cars is equipped with ABS. The Datsun Go’s stereo does not support radio or USB. Only AUX support is provided.
[box type=”success” ]All cars are almost equally matched in terms of features and options on offer. However, unique features such as a 7-inch touchscreen with SATNAV could tip the scales in the Kwid’s favour.[/box]
Renault Kwid vs Maruti Alto 800 vs Hyundai Eon vs Datsun Go- Exterior
The Renault Kwid’s crossover like design is a segment first. It gets a high set bonnet, tall stance, beefy wheel arches and cladding on the bumpers and wheel arches to give it the crossover like appearance. Renault has borrowed design cues from multiple crossovers and SUVs from its stable to come up with a very attractive looking car. Full marks to Renault in terms of design. The Maruti Alto 800 has become a familiar face on Indian roads now. The design works well and although Maruti has tried to add some character to the car with elements such as the strong shoulder line, hexagonal grille, etc. it still looks a bit dull.
The Hyundai Eon is the exact opposite of the Alto 800 in terms of looks. Styled along the lines of Hyundai’s fluidic design language, the Eon looks much more attractive than the Alto. However, some might find the Eon a bit overstyled with its large headlamps, strong shoulder line and oversized tail lamps. Coming to the Datsun Go, there isn’t much to talk about the design of this car. The car looks best when viewed from the back since the front end styling is a bit awkward. The overall look of all the cars in our Renault Kwid vs Maruti Alto 800 vs Hyundai Eon vs Datsun Go comparison is ruined to a certain extent due to the small wheels they come equipped with which gives these cars a bulky appearance.
[box type=”shadow” ]Also See – Renault Kwid Design Review[/box]
Renault Kwid vs Maruti Alto 800 vs Hyundai Eon vs Datsun Go- Interior
The interiors of the Renault Kwid have been inspired by the Renault Captur which is a good thing. Although they are not as revolutionary as the exteriors, the interiors still get bits which are unique to the segment. There is digital instrument cluster on offer and higher variants will also get an optional touchscreen system. The simple design works really well and thankfully Renault has opted for an all-black colour scheme. The trouble with the Alto 800’s interiors is the all-brown colour scheme which doesn’t work too well with an otherwise, neatly laid out dashboard. This colour scheme can be seen all over the inside, even on the upholstery. The Hyundai Eon feels a class above the rest when it comes to the interiors. The build quality and fit and finish is way ahead of the Alto 800 and Datsun Go.
However, the rising window line means the rear seat feels a bit claustrophobic and it is clearly not as spacious as the Renault Kwid and Datsun Go. Speaking of the Datsun Go, the interior space on offer is at par with cars belonging to higher segments. While the interiors have been styled much better than the exteriors, they fall short of the competition in terms of build quality and fit and finish. However, it still has one of the most practical interiors in the segment with good rear seat space, impressive luggage capacity and a low loading lip.
[box type=”shadow” ]Also See – All You Need to Know About the Renault Kwid[/box]
[box type=”shadow” ]Also See – Kwid vs Alto K10 vs Wagon R vs GO[/box]
Renault Kwid vs Maruti Alto 800 vs Hyundai Eon vs Datsun Go- Comparison Verdict
The entry-level Maruti Alto 800 is only a little cheaper than the Kwid’s base variant, with both of these cars being totally stripped off most of the comfort and convenience features. However, the top-end Kwid, which retails for only a little more than the top-end Alto 800, offers essentials like a driver’s side airbag over its rivals. Also, features like a Sat-NAV make the Kwid look like an even more value for money product. Factor in the higher space on offer, better ride and handling manners and a very tasty design and styling, and the Kwid has a lot going for it.
However, it will be interesting to see what Renault India does to deal with Maruti’s bulletproof after-sales network. Yes, the Renault Kwid does make a strong case for itself as it strikes a balance between the three thanks to its good looks, impressive equipment, terrific pricing and a spacious cabin. Wait for our Renault Kwid vs Maruti Alto 800 vs Hyundai Eon vs Datsun Go on road shootout for more.
[box type=”success” ]The Renault Kwid has what it takes to give the Maruti Alto 800, Hyundai Eon and Datsun Go a very tough time in the market.[/box]
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