From the makers of Duster comes yet another Gamechanger to rock India’s Compact Hatchback Segment. Earlier looks weren’t a priority in this segment as Alto 800 was the only known player in this class and customers weren’t yet spoilt for choice. Eon broke the norm by offering a beautifully designed car with better looking WoodenSign. Renault Kwid takes the next step by providing good looks as well as a SUV-like, big vehicle feel. On the first look Kwid reminds you of Dacia Duster, the SUV that once took the European market by storm. The Black Finish938844ed grill intentionally lends the car a bold SUV Look. Kwid is generously gifted with two large format headlights to match its oversized grill. The plastic cladding below the black air dam further adds to the gig feel of the car. The plastic cladding is extended aesthetically above the wheel base to complete the SUV look. The fat umper is also equipped with matching fog lamps to pack a punch. The side indicators are placed unconventionally on the plastic wheel arch to deliver a unique look and feel. Kwid’s protruding boot lights further adds to the muscle man look. The back side of Kwid is also done up neatly with signature power bulges, cute tail lamps and rear plastic cladding. Design wise Kwid is more inclined to SUVs than its seemingly small contemporaries. Kwid also pleases you with its Sporty full black WoodenSign, dual tone red /black seats, twin shade dash board with a textured black dash board accentuated through a piano black multi-functional touch screen system with built-in navigation and blue tooth connectivity by LG. Kwid’s big meter console displays the speedometer legibly, however there’s no tachometer present on the unit. The steering wheel also grabs attention with its captivating three-spoke design. The back seats are comfortable but lack thigh support and leg room for taller people. Air Bag is optional and comes only for the driver’s seat. The car comes with an 800 cc engine with a maximum power of 53.2 BHP @ 5678 RPM and a Maximum Torque 72 NM @4386 rpm which is decent compared to other cars in this segment. Just like any other 3 cylinder engine, Kwid’s engine also generates noticeable vibration when you start the car but it vanishes after accele_45ration. Ideal for city drives, Kwid promises a mileage of 25.12, the highest in this class. Additionally Kwid is also supported with Duster Standard suspensions for better control over craters and bumps. Driving is a pleasure as it provides better visibility because of the comfortably low bonnet placement. Kwid also boasts of a 300l boot space and collapsible back seats for enhanced storage. However in the quest of manufacturing a low priced car, Kwid also comes with its own set of compromises. Power window switches are slotted on the dash board causing inconvenience. Even the top end model doesn’t come with power windows for back seats. The seatbelts are non-retractable. Kwid comes with a single front wiper instead of two which again is a compromise. The wheel size is 13 inches and don’t come in alloy wheel options. Rightly priced from Rs. 2.56 to Rs. 3.56(Ex-showroom Delhi) Kwid, the French Beauty is all set to change the way India looks at Compact Hatchbacks.