Renault Kwid 0.8 SCe Prices Rise

Renault has just launched the 1.0-litre Kwid at a price of Rs 3.83 – 3.96 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Offered in the top-end RXT and RXT (O) grades, the Kwid 1.0 SCe costs only Rs 22,000 more than the equivalent Kwid 0.8 SCe. However, we did have an eye on the prices before and after the launch and while the narrow gap makes the bigger Kwid more attractive, it’s because Renault hiked the 0.8’s prices.

Here’s a quick look at how the prices have changed:

Variant	Old Price (INR)	Current Price (INR)	Price Increase (INR)
0.8 STD	2,62,113	2,64,734	2,621
0.8 RXE	2,98,422	3,01,406	2,984
0.8 RXL	3,23,279	3,26,512	3,233
0.8 RXT	3,57,204	3,60,776	3,572
0.8 RXT (O)	3,67,204	3,73,776	6,572

As you can see, while the lower variants are now dearer by around Rs 3,000, the top-end RXT and RXT (O) cost around Rs 3.5k-6.5K more. Incidentally, 70 per cent of the Kwid’s sales have been attributed to the top two variants. This is the 2nd hike in the Kwid’s prices as the government’s decision to levy a 1 per cent infra cess on small cars displacing 1,200cc or less in the 2016 Union Budget spiked the hatchback’s sticker price earlier this year.

While the Kwid does cost more now, it is unlikely to deter prospective customers from buying one. However, you may want to check out this road test to see if it’s time to upgrade in advance.

The Kwid’s new 1.0-litre motor shares its architecture with the existing 799cc unit. The engine makes a healthy 68PS of power and 91Nm of torque, and thanks to the car’s low kerb weight of 699kg, you get an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 97PS/ton. The ARAI-certified fuel economy is rated at 23.01kmpl. A 5-speed AMT will be added soon and dual-airbags and ABS are said to be in the works as well.

Credits: cardekho.com