The instrument cluster of the Kwid also comes with a gear shift indicator, a feature that is missing on the Maruti. Ride and HandlingThe ride on the Kwid is nothing short of great considering its price and size. In the handling department, the Alto comes off much better than the Kwid because of the way it’s suspension is set up. The brakes too are progressive, provide plenty of feel and stopping power. In addition, the Alto is also cheaper with the VXi (O) variant that we have here being priced at Rs 3. The instrument cluster is an all digital affair which looks rather good and gives a slight motorcycle-esque feel though it is devoid of a tachometer.
Half the windshield is taken up by the bonnet and the rear windscreen looks like it’s half a kilometre away from the rearview mirror. Also there is no satellite navigation like on the Renault. Also, the driving experience isn’t as great as you would expect. The Alto on the other hand has a slightly stiffer setup which makes the ride not as pliant as the Kwid’s at slower speeds but is far more composed at higher speeds. The prominent front grille flanked by two sleek looking headlamps, a large front bumper with plastic cladding and a contoured bonnet give this hatch an SUV like appeal. Before the little Renault came to our shores, an Alto 800, Nano or the Eon graced a first-time car buyer’s garage.The Alto’s cabin on the other hand is the familiar cabin that we are quite used to. The usual smile of the Alto’s fascia has now been replaced by a grimace, maybe to make the car look a bit more aggressive.The Alto was the go-to choice for the first-time car buyer, and in some rare cases, the Eon or the Nano found a space in the garage. But they are miles apart in terms of character and performance.
Interior, Space and FeaturesWhen it comes to the interior, the Kwid makes great use of the space inside the car despite its size. Also, if you have an Android phone, the system will most likely drop your Bluetooth connection within seconds.VerdictThe Kwid is the quirkier looking of the two and it makes great use of the in-cabin space and also offers the best-in-class boot space and claims to be the most efficient car in its class. The 800cc unit on the Kwid makes 54PS of peak power and 72Nm of peak torque whereas the Alto makes 50PS of peak power and 69Nm of peak torque. But, if we compare apples to apples and consider just the two cars as standalone products, the Kwid is by far the superior product and the winner in this comparison as it offers the single most important wholesale access door thing that a buyer from this segment looks for: Value For Money!
Source: CarDekho.34 lakh ex showroom Delhi compared to the Rs 3. It looks rather well made and appealing to the eye especially the piano black finish on the centre console around the infotainment system. The Alto on the other hand despite being less powerful is easier and yet much more engaging to drive and also offers great fuel economy along with a peace of mind ownership experience. Design There’s no contesting the fact that despite aesthetics being a subjective matter, the Renault is the not only the better looking of the two here but is easily the best looking car in its segment. In addition, the view both front and rear from the driver’s seat is rather good and the car gives a roomy feel despite being rather small. The suspension has been well set up for the city and the car swallows up almost all undulations with minimal fuss.
The new updated Alto, on the other hand, stays mostly true its design since 2012 barring minor aesthetic changes to the front facia and the rear bumper. The space in the rear too is ample and you seldom feel uncomfortable despite the lack in kneeroom. Add to that the slightly raised stance and black plastic cladding all around the car along with a high tailgate and you have a car that could almost be passed on as an entry level crossover. And the Kwid quite noisier too.com.71 Lakh asking price of the Kwid. The Kwid’s infotainment system though features a great touch interface, figuring out the system itself takes time. But having said that it does lend a bit of character to the country’s favourite small family hatch. Engine and Performance Both cars come with engines with similar capacities and three cylinder layouts.
The seats are comfortable with adequate thigh support, the back support too is good but the side support is rather limited, though leg space is decent. It’s no tarmac scorcher but a fun drive nonetheless. But, with the Kwid, the segment has turned into a two-horse race. The entire cabin is bathed in different shades of black and is made of plastic. Both cars come with driver side airbags and power steering but Kwid features fog lamps whereas the Alto doesn’t.The Renault Kwid has shaken up the entry-level car scene in the country. Where the Kwid sports a softer setup, the Alto’s stiffer springs help keep the body roll in check. But the fuel tank capacity of the Alto stands at 35 litres compared to 28 litres for the Kwid which means the Alto will go farther on a single tank of fuel compared to its French counterpart.
The steering is quite direct and shifting through the gears as you approach a bend is nothing short of a treat. There are silver accents on the steering wheel and on the centre console along with fabric door inserts on all four doors.7kmpl. The brakes on the Kwid offer less bite overall and are not what you would call confidence inspiring (at high speeds) but do the job well in city traffic. Though, the gearbox does hamper the experience as it feels relatively spongy and lacks in feel. The ORVMs are manual but can be adjusted from inside the cabin thanks to the stalks mounted on the A-pillars on either side. So, which one to pick Read on. Boot space too is lesser compared to the KwidWhere the Kwid comes with a 7-inch touchscreen entertainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, the Alto makes do with a single DIN audio system with USB and AUX only.
The Alto on the other hand too feels peppy despite being low on power and the precise gearbox with shorter throws makes driving it rather enjoyable. Space in the rear though is adequate only for two and taller occupants will feel the lack of headroom. The driver’s perch is comfortable for even the taller and generously proportioned occupants. For someone upgrading from two-wheels to four, or for someone eyeing their first car, these two cars come across as go-to options. The boot though measures 300 litres making it the best in class offering which can be extended to 1115 litres by folding the rear seat down. The narrow grille has been replaced by a thin slat (like on the Chevy Spark). But the engine on the Kwid feels crude compared to the one on the Maruti which feels smooth and refined. It probably has the best driving dynamics in its segment and it shows.
However, the plastic quality the steering wheel feels a bit coarser than it should.On the move, the engine on the Kwid also feels jerky whereas the engine on the Alto feels refined and composed. But the extra power and torque placed primarily at the top of the rev range translate to a quick accelerating car. The chrome inserts on the AC vents give the cabin a more upmarket feel. Sitting on the driver’s seat I have to admit, the visibility is limited. But the low refinement levels and the jerky nature of the engine work against it.
Then there is the brand value that Maruti Suzuki enjoys which also contributes to a better resale value and the fact that Maruti has one of the most extensive dealer networks in the country also helps the Alto’s case by a great degree.2kmpl compared to 24.In terms of fuel efficiency, the Kwid is more fuel efficient than the Maruti but only just 25. The power window (front only) buttons sit in a familiar place, just ahead of the handbrake like before compared to Kwid’s which sit on the centre console just below the AC controls
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