Renault Kwid AMT launched at Rs. 4.25 lakh

Renault launches the automatic version of the Kwid in top-end RxT (O) specification. Is even more efficient than its manual counterpart.

Renault has put a sticker price on the new automatic version of its Kwid entry-level hatchback that reads Rs. 4.25 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The new Renault Kwid AMT is powered by the same 999cc, three cylinder petrol engine that does duty in the more powerful Renault Kwid 1.0 litre. Like in the manual model, the Kwid AMT’s 1.0 litre develops 67BHP of max power and 91Nm of peak torque. And like the manual this model too comes with the same five-speed gearbox, only this one is an automated manual transmission that uses an electronic brain and a hydraulic actuator to shift gears automatically without driver inputs thereby bringing automatic convenience at an affordable price.

The Renault Kwid AMT isn’t the first car in this segment to offer automatic convenience as Maruti Suzuki took that privilege in 2015 when it launched the second generation Alto K10 with an AMT autobox. In fact, the top-end variant of the Alto K10 AMT with a driver airbag is priced at Rs. 4.11 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). While there is an even more affordable version with the airbag which is priced at Rs 4.05 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Meanwhile the Renault Kwid 1.0 AMT is only being offered in the top-end driver airbag equipped RxT (O) version of the car. Although, the extra asking price is justified as the Kwid RxT comes with more equipment than the Alto K10 VXi as it gets the segment leading touch-screen infotainment system also available in its manual counterpart. And has a bonus of not having a gear lever, the Kwid AMT gets an additional cubby hole.

What makes the Renault Kwid AMT different from its rival though is its rotary gear knob / dial which comes with three modes – R, N and D. Although the lack of an option to change gears manually takes away some flexibility from the driver, a functionality available in the K10 AMT. Have said that, unlike its rival that offers identical fuel efficiency as its manual counterpart, the Kwid AMT has a higher claimed fuel efficiency than its manual model - rated at 24.04 km/l as per ARAI.

To know how the Renault Kwid AMT is to drive you can read our First Drive report here - Renault Kwid 1.0 AMT Review: First Drive

Speaking on the launch of Kwid AMT, Sumit Sawhney, Country CEO and Managing Director, Renault India Operations, said, “Renault Kwid has redefined the compact hatchback segment in India, becoming one of the highest selling cars across segments. Looking at evolving customer preferences, AMT technology is becoming popular in the compact hatchback segment and we are happy to build on our portfolio by launching the Kwid AMT. Together with the convenience that the Kwid AMT will offer, it will come with a revolutionary first in segment Shift control AMT dial (R-N-D) instead of a conventional gearstick and it will boast of the same class leading and segment redefining features that have made KWID a runaway success in India. With this launch, we look forward to welcoming more customers into the Renault family as we endeavour to aggressively build our presence in India.”