New Maruti Wagon R 2019 vs Renault Kwid: Clash Of Segments

Can the entry-level Wagon R’s pricing entice consumers away from higher variants of a smaller car like the Kwid?

The new 2019 Maruti Wagon R was launched in Jan 2019 at a starting price of Rs 4.19 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). It’s been thoroughly updated to take on its rivals like the Hyundai Santro, Tata Tiago and Datsun GO. However, its pricing also makes it an alternative to higher variants of lower segment cars such as the Renault Kwid. The Kwid is Renault’s only small car offering and falls under the entry-level hatchback category. We pit the similarly priced variants of these cars against each other to see which offers better value for money.

But first, here are some of the key differences between the two models:

Dimensions:

• The new, bigger Maruti Wagon R is wider and taller than the Kwid while also having a longer wheelbase.

• The Kwid however is longer in length than the 2019 Maruti Wagon R.

Engines:

• Both models are offered with two engine options. In the Kwid, both the 0.8-litre and 1.0-litre engines are 3-cylinder units while the new Wagon R comes with a 3-cylinder (1.0-litre) as well as a 4-cylinder engine (1.2-litre).

• The 0.8-litre engine in the Renault is significantly less powerful than the Wagon R 1.2, by at least 34PS and 18Nm.

• However, in the case of the 1.0-litre engines, power is the same while the Renault produces an extra 1Nm of torque.

• Both models come with an AMT option as well. But while the Wagon R still gets a conventional looking drive selector in the central console, the Kwid gets a rotary dial. The WagonR can be had with the AMT with any of the engines, but AMT on the Kwid is available on the bigger 1.0-litre engine only.

Disclaimer: For the purpose of this comparison, we will be considering ex-showroom Delhi prices of both models and  keep a budget restriction of Rs 50,000 between variants compared.

Maruti Wagon R LXI(O) vs Renault Kwid RXT 1.0L

The Kwid RXT and Climber share the equipment list. The Kwid Climber gets cosmetic additions over the Kwid RXT in the form of different bumpers, orange ORVMs and orange accents around the interiors too. The only added comfort is a rear armrest.

Common Features

Safety: Driver-side airbag, ABS with EBD, speed alert, driver and co-driver seatbelt reminder

Exterior: Body coloured bumpers

Comfort: Manual AC, electric power steering, front power windows, central locking, 12V front power socket

What Wagon R LXI(O) offers over Kwid RXT 1.0L: Rear parking sensors, front seatbelts with pretensioner and load limiters and co-driver airbag.

What Kwid RXT 1.0L offers over Wagon R LXI(O): Rear parking camera, blacked out B-pillar, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, video playback via USB, rear 12V socket, keyless entry and front fog lamps.

Verdict: For the added safety of the co-driver, we’d recommend the Maruti to most buyers. However, if you mostly drive alone and not with someone in the passenger seat, the Kwid is certainly the more value-for-money pick. Also, if you want something more colourful with extra cladding and a rear armrest, you can opt for the slightly more expensive Climber variant of the Kwid.

Maruti Wagon R VXI(O) AMT vs Renault Kwid Climber 1.0L AMT

Common Features (over previous variants)

Comfort: Keyless entry

Infotainment: Bluetooth connectivity, front speakers, USB and AUX ports

What Wagon R VXI(O) offers over Kwid Climber 1.0L: Rear parking sensors, front seatbelts with pretensioner and load limiters, co-driver airbag, auto door lock, electrically adjustable ORVMs, rear power windows, day/night IRVM, tilt adjustable steering, steering mounted audio controls and 60:40 split folding rear seats.

What Kwid Climber 1.0L offers over Wagon R VXI(O): Rear parking camera, blacked out B-pillar, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, video playback via USB, rear 12V socket and front fog lamps.

Verdict: The Kwid is the more value-for-money car here if you take into account the price difference between the Climber and the WagonR VXI(O), and the additional features each car offers over the other. If you’re on a budget and drive single (with no one in the passenger seat), you can consider the Kwid.

But we can’t discount the fact that the WagonR is a more well-rounded package here. It gets additional safety features over the Kwid like front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, co-driver airbag and day/night IRVM. The incremental value that you’ll pay for the WagonR is not too high if you consider the fact that none of these features can be added to the Kwid post purchase.

Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi)

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