ROAD TEST
Renault Kwid — let down by lack of safety
Renault could show more responsibility when it comes to safety in its Kwid, writes Lerato Matebese
Renault has been riding the crest of the wave recently, having launched a raft of key models, including the Kadjar and Megane, which are sterling products in their own right. There has been a great deal of debate around whether some manufacturers are using SA as a dumping ground of sorts for unsafe, new cars masquerading as value-for-money propositions. The vehicle on test here is without ABS brakes and has only a driver’s airbag in its safety arsenal, which saw it score only one star at the Global NCAP crash test safety rating agency. Economy is good, but the 28l petrol tank means long-distance trips will require frequent refuelling. Then again this is a city car suited to those confines, and you can expect about 500km on a tank. Many will argue that the very reason for the Kwid and the Datsun Go is to offer cheap motoring and independence. To that end I agree. However, there is no denying that these models are pitched mostly at young, inexperienced drivers who are arguably more li...
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