The updated Renault Kwid has just become the smallest member of our long-term fleet. After a few months of long car vacation, I got the key to the new Renault Kwid Climber, which replaced our Maruti Suzuki S-Presso; by the way, it is the main market competitor. Kwid is not completely new to me, especially after the 0.8 and 1.0 liter versions before the facelift have been widely used in recent years. This is a Kwid that has undergone a lot of updates, dressed in the name of Climber, it has some unique decorative elements. This mid-range update was on sale in India before the rest of the world, and I had to give up Renault’s designers because they made cheap hatchbacks look as convincing as SUVs. The Climber variant comes with 14-inch wheels, which adds a lot to its appearance. Double-layer headlamp design, the LED DRL above and the headlamp below look very high-end, and what makes Climber stand out is its striking orange exterior, dark gray wheel cover and unique interior decoration.

Since we are now back to the work-from-home system, Kwid’s trips to the office have decreased, but since late February, I have managed to detour 2,000 kilometers. Spend enough time to drive any vehicle, and you will definitely have a good understanding of its performance, power and functions. As part of the voluntary water supply program I participated in, Kwid was actually a journey to various COVID-19 centers I have been to. It is also my companion to the aerial photography conference, because it has a small footprint and is very helpful for the narrow parking spaces that our “discoverers” often find.

Left viewing corner: Even in the top specifications, there is no internally adjustable telescope.

After driving this car for more than a thousand kilometers, I noticed that the new Kwid feels a bit slower than the previous Kwid 1.0 and lacks energy. I fully enjoyed it when I commuted to a 12-kilometer office a few years ago. Although the engine does sound more refined, it now feels softer. This is most likely due to the increased weight of the upgrade to meet the new crash test specifications.

Backward: The rear passenger window cannot be controlled from the front.

Once you start driving, this performance is sufficient for regular urban commuting, and it has enough vitality to keep up with highway traffic. My impression of the updated Kwid engine is slightly better at the bottom, and the lighter clutch helps reduce the pressure and energy in heavy traffic.

Digital details: The dashboard has novel functions and rich content.

After this facelift, Kwid’s interior has also undergone major changes. The dashboard is brand new, as is the steering wheel. I did find that the contour of the seat is better, but the biggest topic is the largest 8.0-inch touch screen in its class. Although the audio quality of the two speakers on the dashboard is nothing worth mentioning, the updated touch screen system can still make up for this. The rear view camera is also a good addition, it can provide a surprisingly clear view of obstacles, which is different from other cheap cars with sporadic, low-resolution feed. In addition to adding structural reinforcement, due to recent government regulations, Kwid now also uses dual front airbags and ABS as standard equipment, which makes me more worry-free.

Clear visual effects: The new touch screen with rear-view camera is top-notch.

In terms of fuel economy, my driving speed in the city is about 13.5kpl, but Kwid Climber 1.0 is still very new, and odo is still above 2,000 km, so it should be improved. In my next long-term report, I will further study the rear seat and rear seat changes to obtain more information.