Renault India has officially launched the 2026 Kwid at a starting price of ₹4.53 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) — making it one of India’s most affordable cars. The update brings a refreshed design, a simplified variant lineup, upgraded safety, and a new Kiger-inspired interior. Here’s everything you need to know.
2026 Renault Kwid: What’s New at a Glance
The 2026 Renault Kwid is not a full generation change — it is a meaningful mid-cycle refresh that brings design updates, a leaner variant structure, improved safety, and lower prices compared to the outgoing model. Renault has streamlined the lineup from four trims down to just two — Evolution and Climber — each available with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed AMT. The discontinued Authentic and Techno trims have been dropped entirely.
Importantly, the prices of both surviving trims have actually come down. The Evolution trim is up to ₹14,000 cheaper, and the Climber variant is up to ₹32,000 less than before — a rare move in a market where car prices almost always go one direction.
2026 Renault Kwid: Variant-Wise Price List
All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi:
| Variant | Gearbox | Ex-Showroom Price | Effective Price (Online) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evolution | 5-Speed Manual | ₹4.53 Lakh | ₹4.53 Lakh |
| Evolution | 5-Speed AMT | ₹4.90 Lakh | ₹4.90 Lakh |
| Climber | 5-Speed Manual | ₹5.15 Lakh | ₹5.00 Lakh* |
| Climber | 5-Speed AMT | ₹5.61 Lakh | ₹5.46 Lakh* |
*Renault is offering ₹15,000 cash benefit on Climber variants booked through its official online retail platform. CNG kit available on manual variants at an additional ₹70,450 (installed at authorised workshops, with a 3-year/1 lakh km warranty).
What’s New on the Outside?
The exterior updates on the 2026 Kwid are subtle but noticeable. The most prominent change is the adoption of Renault’s new 3D corporate badge, which replaces the older logo on the grille and tailgate. The Climber variant gets redesigned dual-tone plastic covers for the 14-inch steel wheels, and the ‘Kwid’ lettering on the tailgate now uses a new font with a silver finish.
Everything else carries over from the previous model — the eyebrow-shaped LED daytime running lamps (DRLs), halogen headlights, crossover-inspired stance, black body cladding on the bumpers, roof spoiler, and silver skid plate on the Climber. The dimensions remain completely unchanged: 3,731mm long, 1,579mm wide, 1,474mm tall, with a 2,422mm wheelbase and a best-in-segment 184mm of ground clearance. Boot space is a competitive 279 litres.
Available colour options include Fiery Red, Zanskar Blue, Ice Cool White, and Moonlight Silver. The top-spec Climber also gets a dual-tone shade with a contrasting black roof and white ORVMs as standard.
What’s New Inside the Cabin?
Inside, the most significant change is the new 3-spoke steering wheel borrowed directly from the Renault Kiger, complete with steering-mounted controls for the infotainment system. The new Renault 2D logo is also carried onto this steering wheel. The rest of the cabin has been largely carried over from the outgoing model.
The 2026 Kwid continues with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a semi-digital instrument cluster with a multi-information display (MID), manual air conditioning, all four power windows, and black fabric seat upholstery with yellow accents. The Climber trim adds dual-tone interiors for a more premium look. A piano black finish frames the touchscreen, and chrome inserts appear on the rotary climate control knobs.
Safety: What Do You Get?
Safety has been upgraded meaningfully with the 2026 update. The base Evolution trim gets dual airbags as standard, while the top-spec Climber now offers 6 airbags — a significant addition at this price point. Both variants come equipped with ABS with EBD, a rear parking camera with sensors, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), keyless entry with central locking, and seatbelt reminders. Hill-start assist is available on AMT variants only.
| Safety Feature | Evolution | Climber |
|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 2 | 6 |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Camera + Sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | Yes | Yes |
| Keyless Entry with Central Locking | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Start Assist | AMT only | AMT only |
| Seatbelt Reminders | Yes | Yes |
Engine & Performance: Specs
Mechanically, the 2026 Renault Kwid is completely unchanged. It continues with the same 1.0-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 69hp and 92.5Nm of torque. This engine is mated to either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). Renault also offers a retrofitted CNG kit for manual variants, available at authorised workshops at an additional ₹70,450, backed by a 3-year or 1 lakh km warranty.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.0-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol |
| Power | 69hp |
| Torque | 92.5Nm |
| Gearbox Options | 5-speed Manual / 5-speed AMT |
| CNG Option | Available (Manual variants only, ₹70,450 extra) |
| Length | 3,731mm |
| Width | 1,579mm |
| Height | 1,474mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,422mm |
| Ground Clearance | 184mm |
| Boot Space | 279 litres |
How Does It Stack Up Against Rivals?
The 2026 Renault Kwid continues to compete in India’s budget hatchback segment against the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 and Maruti Suzuki S-Presso. The Alto K10 starts at approximately ₹3.70 lakh and the S-Presso at ₹3.50 lakh — both notably cheaper than the Kwid’s ₹4.53 lakh starting price. However, the Kwid differentiates itself with its SUV-inspired crossover styling, 184mm ground clearance, 279-litre boot space, 8-inch touchscreen, and a more feature-rich safety package including 6 airbags on the top trim.
Tata Tiago also enters the conversation at a similar price bracket, offering more interior space and refinement. For buyers who primarily want the lowest cost of entry, the Maruti options remain stronger. But for those wanting a bolder design and more features per rupee at slightly higher trim levels, the Kwid makes a compelling case.
| Car | Starting Price | Engine | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renault Kwid 2026 | ₹4.53 Lakh | 1.0L petrol / AMT / CNG | SUV styling, 6 airbags, 184mm clearance |
| Maruti S-Presso | ₹3.50 Lakh | 1.0L petrol / AMT / CNG | Lowest price, strong Maruti service network |
| Maruti Alto K10 | ₹3.70 Lakh | 1.0L petrol / AMT / CNG | Fuel efficiency, low running cost |
| Tata Tiago | ₹5.10 Lakh | 1.2L petrol / AMT / CNG | More space, refinement, 5-star NCAP rating |
Renault India’s Big Plans for 2026–2027
The 2026 Kwid launch is just the beginning of an ambitious product push from Renault India. The company has announced 12 product “actions” over the next 18 months — four of which are planned for the remainder of 2026 alone. Renault India CEO Stephane Deblaise stated that there will be no more than two consecutive months without a significant update from the brand, whether that’s a limited edition, design refresh, new technology, new powertrain, or an all-new car. The Renault Duster Hybrid is also expected to arrive this Diwali. Since its 2015 debut, the Kwid has found approximately 4.5 lakh customers in India, establishing itself as a reliable entry point for first-time car buyers and those upgrading from two-wheelers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the starting price of the 2026 Renault Kwid?
The 2026 Renault Kwid starts at ₹4.53 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the Evolution Manual variant. The top-spec Climber AMT is priced at ₹5.61 lakh ex-showroom, or effectively ₹5.46 lakh when booked through Renault’s official online platform with the ₹15,000 cash benefit.
Q: How many variants does the 2026 Kwid come in?
The 2026 Kwid is now available in just two trims — Evolution and Climber — each offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed AMT. The earlier Authentic and Techno variants have been discontinued, simplifying the lineup to four variants total.
Q: What are the main changes in the 2026 Renault Kwid?
The key changes include new 3D Renault badges, redesigned dual-tone wheel covers (Climber), a new font for the Kwid tailgate lettering, a new 3-spoke Kiger-inspired steering wheel with infotainment controls, 6 airbags on the Climber trim, and revised (lower) pricing. The engine, dimensions, and most interior features remain unchanged.
Q: Does the 2026 Kwid get 6 airbags?
Yes — but only on the top-spec Climber trim. The base Evolution trim gets 2 airbags as standard. Both variants include ABS with EBD, rear parking camera with sensors, TPMS, and keyless entry.
Q: Is the CNG option available on the 2026 Kwid?
Yes. Renault offers a retrofitted CNG kit for manual variants (Evolution and Climber) at an additional cost of ₹70,450. The kit is installed at authorised Renault workshops and comes with a 3-year or 1 lakh km warranty, whichever is earlier.
Q: Is the 2026 Kwid cheaper than the old model?
Yes. Despite the new features and design updates, prices have actually come down compared to the outgoing model. The Evolution trim is up to ₹14,000 cheaper, and the Climber trim is up to ₹32,000 less expensive than before.
Q: What colours does the 2026 Renault Kwid come in?
The 2026 Kwid is available in Fiery Red, Zanskar Blue, Ice Cool White, and Moonlight Silver. The top-spec Climber also comes in a dual-tone shade with a contrasting black roof and white ORVMs as standard.
Q: How does the 2026 Kwid compare to the Maruti Alto K10 and S-Presso?
The Maruti Alto K10 (from ₹3.70 lakh) and S-Presso (from ₹3.50 lakh) are priced lower, making them more affordable entry points. However, the Kwid counters with SUV-inspired crossover styling, higher ground clearance of 184mm, a larger 279-litre boot, a bigger 8-inch touchscreen, and 6 airbags on its top variant — features its Maruti rivals do not offer at comparable price points.
Q: What is Renault India’s plan going forward?
Renault India has announced 12 product actions over the next 18 months, including four planned for the second half of 2026 alone. Upcoming products include the Renault Duster Hybrid, expected around Diwali 2026. The company is also doubling its annual production capacity from 5 lakh to 10 lakh units, making the Chennai plant one of the world’s largest vehicle manufacturing facilities.
