2017 Renault KWID

Renault KWID

Renault’s KWID sits right where most South Africans need it: affordable, compact, and just interesting enough to stand out from the city-car crowd. It’s not pretending to be anything other than what it is—a starter car for people who’d rather not buy another Polo Vivo, or who find the S-Presso a bit too cartoonish. Every KWID runs the same 1.0-litre petrol engine, which means you won’t be tempted by a diesel or hybrid, and if you want an auto, you’ll be lucky to even find one. The market’s clear about this: there are 61 KWID listings, but only 7 are new—everyone else is trading hands, with a median price of R165,000. That’s a big clue this is a car buyers hang onto until the wheels fall off because it just gets the basics right. Life and Zen trims dominate the classifieds, spanning a chunky R129,900 to R212,000. Condition trumps badge here—R50k can swing you from tired to nearly-new, even on the same spec. Climber variants—my pick, if you pack smart—look the part, with chunkier styling and a touch of extra ride height that actually helps on pothole-riddled Jozi streets. Most used KWIDs average around 35,000 km, so you’re looking at a car that’s seen real-world use but hasn’t been flogged senseless. The real win is size: Cape Town parking bays suddenly feel generous, and your monthly petrol bill won’t make you wince. On paper at least, it’s what the KWID should have been from the start—no-frills, practical, and just a touch cheeky.