Renault Kwid vs Maruti Suzuki S-Presso

Kwid vs. S-Presso Comparison

Renault Kwid has the typical tallboy image for a hatchback with a good ground clearance factor that makes it enjoyable taking this vehicle out on your long drives with your family. It is indeed a good combination of comfort, convenience, and affordability when you opt for a Renault Kwid to stand on your porch.

People love the SUV because of its imposing stance and the high ground clearance that allows them to sail over any obstacle on the road comfortably. However, SUVs can be expensive. An alternative should be a hatchback with an SUV-like stance in the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso.

Exterior Looks

The first aspect about the Renault Kwid that strikes you is its comfortable tallboy looks. Though not as imposing a stance as the S-Presso, the Kwid is much taller and bigger than its immediate competitor, the Alto. Everything about the Kwid, right from its frontal fascia to the side black skirtings, flared wheel arches, roofline, and the raised rear tail lamps, is attractive from whichever side you view the vehicle. The Kwid Climber variant comes in four exciting colour options. Besides, the Neo-tech editions offer dual-tone options and a load of exciting interior features.

While the Kwid displays tallboy looks, the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is an actual tallboy that offers the best SUV-like experience in a car belonging to a non-SUV segment. While the Kwid is around 1474mm tall, the S-Presso is a good 75mm taller at 1549mm. However, it has a shorter length and width to compensate for the increase in its height. As the S-Presso is a tall vehicle, its headlamps and tail lamps are placed at a higher level than its competitors like the Kwid. The S-Presso comes in a range of six exciting colours.

Interiors and Comfort

The Kwid Neo-tech Edition offers stylish interiors in the form of Black Bolster and Zanskar Blue design fabric seat upholstery to offer the ideal support to the spine as you sit upright to handle the vehicle. The stylized gear knob with its chrome surrounds is a treat to use. The ergo smart cabin looks heavenly with the Zanskar Blue and Chrome deco, making it a much-desirable vehicle. Other features in all Kwid variants include the floor console-mounted AMT dial with chrome surround (in the AMT versions), a 20.32-inches touchscreen infotainment system, and an LED digital instrument cluster.The extended height of the S-Presso allows for more storage space inside the vehicle. In addition, it enables its occupants to enter and alight from the vehicle conveniently. The upholstery is decent enough to ensure a comfortable driving experience. There is ample room in the space behind the boot situated behind the rear seat. The higher driving seat position allows for a commanding view of the road ahead. The digital display in the innovatively shaped instrument cluster is a positive feature that enhances the overall interior ambience.

Engine and Performance

The Kwid runs on three engine options, a 0.8L SCe petrol engine available only on the STD versions (lower-end variants). The RXT (O) and the Climber (O) trim work on a comparatively more powerful engine in the 1.0L SCe Easy-R and 1.0L SCe MT. The 1.0L engine delivers a maximum power output of 68ps and torque of 91 Nm while offering 21.74kmpl. In addition, the 0.8L and the AMT versions engine deliver a mileage of 20.71kmpl, and 22kmpl, respectively.

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso draws its power from its peppy 1.0l K10B Engine that boasts of a spirited performance. This BS6-compliant engine delivers the power of 50kW @ 5500rpm and high torque of 90Nm @ 3500rpm. This engine works with a 5-speed manual transmission system with an Auto Gear Shift system that uses a shift control actuator for automatic clutch operation and gear shifts. As a result, the car delivers a seamless driving performance.

Ride, Handling, and Safety

You cannot expect a budget car to offer extreme safety levels. However, the Kwid offers dual airbags, reverse parking sensors, ABS, EBD, and seatbelt reminders. Besides, it comes equipped with a robust body structure that can handle impacts.

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso offers better safety than several other cars in its segment. The Heartect Platform ensures a sturdy structure capable of withstanding almost all impacts. Furthermore, the driver and the front-seat passenger get airbags for additional safety. In addition, this vehicle comes with an advanced braking system comprising ABS and EBD to ensure proper safety when braking at high speeds.

CarBike360 Says

The Renault Kwid is a compact hatchback offering a decent driving experience. It is available in three trims that branch out into 13 variants. The starting price of the Kwid is an affordable Rs 3.32 lakhs, whereas the top-end variant comes at Rs 5.48 lakhs, making it a budget car for the Indian household.

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso comes in four trims with 14 variants, including the CNG versions. The lowest-priced S-Presso is the STD version at Rs 3.78 lakhs, whereas the top-end variant costs Rs 5.36 lakhs. Hence, it compared favourably with the Renault Kwid to provide the right kind of competition.

If you are looking for a stylish feel, the Kwid is a better choice, but the S-Presso should be perfect if you wish to experience the SUV-like feel in a hatchback.