2015 ZigWheels Awards: Hatchback of the Year-Renault Kwid

The hatchback category is unarguably the mainstay of the Indian car market, making up a major chunk of its volumes and sales. As such, it is also the most cut-throat segment in India, with every volume manufacturer worth its salt trying their best to dethrone the long-time king that is Maruti Suzuki. It is in this scenario that Renault launched the Kwid in the country in 2015.

Although it competes against the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Alto and the Hyundai Eon, the Kwid looks like none of the other offerings in its class. Far from appearing petite and small, it looks muscular and rugged in its design. Powering the Kwid is a 800cc 3-cylinder petrol engine, mated to a newly developed 5-speed manual gearbox, developing 54PS and 72Nm. And since the car weighs just 660kg, that translates into an impressive power to weight ratio of 85PS per tonne.  

Moreover, for a car at its price, the Kwid comes loaded with features. It gets a all-digital instrument cluster, a touch screen infotainment system with AUX and USB connectivity, power windows for the front two passengers, central locking and more. All these makes the Renault Kwid the worthy winner of the Hatchback of the Year trophy at the 2015 Times Auto Awards in partnership with ZigWheels.