Then there is the aspect of its SUV looks, wide stance and yes - passenger and cargo space. It also has the touch screen system and promises to be safer. That aspect is up for debate as the bar is already so low in the segment - that it is easy to claim safety credentials. Also, the Kwid weighs only 660 kgs; causing sceptics to question build quality. But Renault insists that the Kwid is sturdy, and can be equipped with additional safety features to suit various markets - after all it will be exported from India too. The top-end alone features just a single driver side airbag, and no ABS.
Also Read: Renault Kwid Review
But it is what Renault has managed to do - offer a substantially bigger, more stylish and better appointed car, which makes the Alto, Eon and the like seem meagre and compromised. The Kwid definitely has enough going for it to topple the segment leaders. Having said that, we come the chinks in its armour.
The brand Renault has yet to make inroads into the length and breadth of India. There may be more Renault dealers today than ever before, but that isn't a patch on Maruti-Suzuki's or Hyundai's network. Add to that the fact that the brand itself is relatively unknown still. People may know the Duster, but are yet to fully identify Renault. So for prospective buyers - many of whom are first-time car buyers by the way - the tried and trusted may outweigh the new and promising.
Also Read: Renault Kwid vs Rivals
Renault will also need to be cognizant of the fact that it shares its manufacturing plant with Nissan as part of the global alliance between the two brands. This means that try as it might - there are only so many Kwids it can make - and compared to Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai - the capacity will once again seem inadequate. There are worries that Renault has gone aggressive - no wait - ultra aggressive on the price tag, simply to make a mark, and so the Kwid may indeed be unprofitable at the start at lower volumes. Ford did the same with the EcoSport, and so in the long run that strategy may pay off. But it certainly is a bold and brave stance to adopt.
So how do you deem a car a hit? Well that would depend on how the Kwid is received and how it is perceived. I am certainly curious to see how both those unfold. But it must be said that the Kwid is a revolutionary product in its own way. It stands tall (quite literally!) amongst its peers, and challenges the notions of what an entry level car should be. The hope I have is that people at least test drive it, and check it out - whether they buy it or not. At least that notion of a small, cheap car may therefore change - compelling the market to move up. This will result in better value, safer products for first-time car buyers, and for the many families that are transiting from two to four wheels every day in our country.
(The author is Editor - Auto and head of automobile programming, NDTV Group)
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
