Summarize

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An upstanding Kwid

There’s not much new on the car market this side of R150K. Seems like yesterday we said that about R50K, let alone a hundred. But that’s where the market is and it’s a cutthroat industry so don’t snigger when you consider this jacked-up Renault Kwid Climber – it’s a lot of car at the price.

Only 200 Kwid Climbers will be built and that really is exclusive – never mind that the price includes a year’s comprehensive insurance, so it’s a great deal – if there are any left to go around, that is. Still, a good used one will still stand you apart.

Climber gets an enhanced styling pack and a ‘vibrant’ new interior spec to further enhance that SUV-inspired Kwid value proposition, but the real party trick is Climber’s class-leading 180mm ground clearance. I know a lot of people like to sit higher in a car – that ‘commander’ position – however slight – brings a certain sense of security.

Of course Climber packs five people in with an ample 300 litre boot – something we tested quite adequately when we had to travel a fair distance to collect a few young rugby kids – not only did Kwid take them all in quite happily, but the boot did an adequate job with (most of!) their kit. 

Climber is impressively stacked too – it has a 7” colour Touchscreen with Bluetooth, USB, AUX and MP3 playback, a driver’s airbag, front electric windows, aircon and remote central locking – pretty impressive tor a bargain basement offering. Sure it’s finishes can be cold and stingy, those wheel and tyres seem thin and the rest – all you’d expect at this  level.

Performance is quite adequate too, but Climber’s really strong point is quite achievable 5l/100km consumption – never mind that it comes with a 5-year/150 000km warranty with an optional service plan – perfect for this market. 

QUICK TEST: Renault Kwid 1.0 Climber
Engine:    50kW 91Nm 999cc petrol I3
Drive: 5-speed manual FWD
TESTED: 
0-100km/h: 11.34 sec   
400m: 17.9 sec @ 125km/h
80-120km/h: 8.44 sec
CLAIMED:       
VMax: 155km/h 
Fuel: 4.0 l/100km
CO2: 104 g/km
Warranty/Service 6y 150K/3y 90Kkm
LIST PRICE: R151K
RATED 77%