Maruti Suzuki S-Presso vs Renault KWID: Comparing Their Variants Under Rs 5 Lakh for First-time Car Buyers

Buying a car for the first time, but confused about which are the best cars for first-time buyers in India, and which option to choose? Let’s look at the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso and Renault KWID, and find out which will be the best for you.

In this first-time car buyers’ guide, we will share

• What a first-time buyer should look for in a car
• Maruti Suzuki S-Presso vs Renault KWID – an in-depth guide to their variants, features, cost, and driveability
• How to pick the right car for you

So, are these vehicles in the micro SUV and hatchback segments affordable cars for first-time car buyers? Let’s find out.

Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500

What a First-time car buyer looks for in a car

This is what a first-time buyer should look for in a car:

• Safety – What safety features does the car have? What is its safety rating?
• Affordability – The car should be well within budget and affordable.
• Fuel efficiency – The car should have good fuel efficiency, thereby reducing its running cost.
• Ease of driving – The car should be easy to drive, with features that help in driving and offer convenience for new drivers.

For first-time car buyers, the paramount aspects encompass affordability, reliability, safety, fuel efficiency, and essential modern features. They also value low maintenance costs, solid resale value, and brands known for dependability in top cars for first-time buyers. 

Simple, user-friendly technology and driver assistance features further amplify their purchase intent.

Why Maruti Suzuki S-Presso and Renault KWID are Popular

Both the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso and Renault KWID have carved a niche in the entry-level car segment in India. 

Maruti Suzuki’s legacy of trust and vast servicing network ensures the S-Presso’s success. Simultaneously, Renault KWID, with its sporty aesthetics and commendable features for its price range, appeals to the younger demographic. 

Their compact size, budget-friendly tags, and the promise of efficiency make both cars favorable options for newcomers.

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso and Renault KWID Variants Shortlist in Rs 4-5 Lakh Range

For Maruti Suzuki S-Presso, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 19 September 2023
STD	₹426,000

For Renault KWID, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 19 September 2023
1.0 RXE	₹470,000
1.0 RXL	₹500,000

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso STD

Priced attractively at ₹426,000, it offers ABS, 180mm ground clearance, and an impressive highway mileage of 24.12 kmpl. It misses out on some features like power steering. Still, its competitive pricing and efficient fuel consumption make it a compelling choice for first-time buyers. If you’re budget-conscious, you can read our comparison of the S-Presso with Maruti Suzuki WagonR.

Renault KWID 1.0 RXE

With a price tag of ₹470,000, this variant provides ABS, 184mm ground clearance, and lane keeping assist. Its overall mileage is 21.46 kmpl, slightly lesser than S-Presso. The addition of power steering and traction control adds value to this package. If you’re a senior citizen car buyer, you can check out how the KWID compares with Maruti Suzuki Alto K10.

Renault KWID 1.0 RXL

Slightly pricier at ₹500,000, it mirrors the features of the RXE, with identical ground clearance, mileage, and safety features. The incremental cost might be associated with minor cosmetic or interior enhancements. We have also compared the KWID with S-Presso for tech-savvy gadget lovers.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki S-Presso and Renault KWID for First-time car buyers

The Renault KWID 1.0 RXE emerges as a balanced choice. The slightly higher price compared to S-Presso STD is justified with the inclusion of lane keeping assist, power steering, and traction control, offering an enhanced driving experience. 

Its ground clearance and mileage are competitive, ensuring practicality for Indian conditions. In short, this is the right car on this list for a first-time car buyer.

The Top 3 choices

1. Renault KWID 1.0 RXE
2. Maruti Suzuki S-Presso STD
3. Renault KWID 1.0 RXL

Attributes	Renault KWID 1.0 RXE	Maruti Suzuki S-Presso STD	Renault KWID 1.0 RXL
ABS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Ground clearance (mm)	184	180	184
Highway Mileage (kmpl)	21.46	24.12	21.46
Lane keeping assist	Yes	No	Yes
Overall Mileage (kmpl)	21.46	24.12	21.46
Power Steering	Yes	No	Yes
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes	Yes
Traction Control	Yes	No	Yes

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• Renault KWID 1.0 RXE: Strikes a perfect balance between price and features, ideal for newcomers who value safety and drivability.
• Maruti Suzuki S-Presso STD: While it misses out on some comforts, its impressive mileage and affordability make it a close contender.
• Renault KWID 1.0 RXL: Given the similarities with RXE, it’s an alternative for those willing to invest slightly more, possibly for additional aesthetics or comfort features.

To summarize, while all three variants cater well to first-time buyers, the Renault KWID 1.0 RXE stands out, providing a blend of essential safety and driver assistance features at a reasonable price. 

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.

Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered