Renault Kwid

The Renault Kwid wears chunky SUV-inspired styling on a tiny, city-friendly footprint, making it one of the cheapest ways into a brand-new car in India. It pairs a frugal 1.0-litre petrol engine with the rare convenience of an AMT automatic at this price. A tall stance, light controls and a generous 279-litre boot keep it practical for daily errands, though it trades some refinement and safety kit for that bargain sticker price.

On the road the Kwid feels exactly as light as it is. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder motor makes a modest 67 bhp, but because the car tips the scales at barely 770 kg, it zips around town with surprising eagerness. The five-speed manual is light and easy, while the AMT automatic takes the stress out of bumper-to-bumper traffic — just be patient with its slightly lazy upshifts and the head-nod between gears. Out on the highway it runs out of breath past 100 kmph, and the three-cylinder thrum becomes loud, so this is best understood as a city specialist rather than an all-rounder.

Inside, the Kwid punches above its weight on perceived value. Top variants get an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster and a reverse camera — features that feel genuinely premium in this segment. Space up front is good thanks to the tall roof, and the high seating gives a commanding view that buyers love. The rear bench is fine for two adults but tight for three, and the cabin plastics, switchgear and door feel remind you constantly of where the money was saved.

Ride quality is a strong suit. The soft suspension and 180 mm of ground clearance let it shrug off broken roads, potholes and speed breakers that unsettle pricier rivals. The flip side is noticeable body roll through corners and a floaty feel at speed, while the light steering, lovely for parking, offers little feedback. Braking is adequate but not reassuring when fully loaded.

The elephant in the room is safety. The Kwid's older platform earned a poor crash-test showing, and even with dual front airbags, ABS and rear parking sensors now standard, it lacks the structural reassurance and electronic aids that newer rivals offer. For budget buyers it remains tempting, but it's a compromise worth weighing honestly.