Used Renault Kwid AMT Gains Ground, but Manuals Reign Supreme

The used car market was dominated by hatchbacks in 2024, and one of the stand-out performers was the Renault Kwid. With a 4.6% market share, the Kwid was the third best selling used automatic car across all segments last year. In fact, the Kwid was the second highest selling automatic hatchback last year, with only the Maruti Celerio outselling it (with a 10.2% market share).

One of the biggest reasons for the Kwid’s popularity, especially in the used market, is the fact that it gets manual and AMT transmission options. Our used car report reveals that one transmission option was preferred over the other, and in this article, we will take a closer look at why manual-equipped Kwids were preferred over their automatic counterparts, and what trends emerged over the past few years.

How Buyers chose between Manual and Automatic Kwids in 2024

The used Renault Kwid offers both manual and AMT (automated manual transmission) options, but manual variants clearly ruled the used car market in 2024. Of all used Kwids sold last year, manual transmission variants made up 74% of the total sales, with automatic (AMT) variants accounting for 26%.

What Drives the Manual Dominance

• Price-conscious buyers looking for the most affordable option gravitate toward the manual Kwid.
• Renault positioned the Kwid as an entry-level hatchback, and many first-time car buyers—especially in smaller towns—prefer the lower initial cost and perceived simplicity of a manual gearbox.

• Many buyers also associate AMTs with jerky shifts, especially on older Kwid models, reducing demand for used automatics among budget-conscious drivers.

   

Automatic Kwid makes strong Gains

Despite the clear manual dominance, the Kwid’s automatic variants have carved out a respectable 26% market share. This reflects:

• Growing urban acceptance of AMTs, particularly among young drivers and first-time car owners.
• The Kwid’s positioning as a city-friendly commuter, where AMTs provide ease of driving in congested areas.

• Budget-focussed automatic buyers see the Kwid AMT as one of the most affordable automatic hatchbacks in India.

   

Used Renault Kwid AMT Sales Peaked in 2022

A deeper look at year-wise data from 2021 to 2024 shows how the balance between manual and automatic Kwids evolved in the used car space.

Yearly Transmission Preference (2021-2024)

• 2021: Manuals accounted for 82.29% of used Kwid sales, with automatics taking 17.71%.
• 2022: Manuals dipped to 78.48%, while automatics rose to 21.52%.
• 2023: Manual share climbed back up to 84.6%, and automatics fell to 15.4%.

• 2024: Manuals held 84.1%, with automatics regaining some ground at 15.9%.

   

Key Observations

• Manuals consistently dominate, never falling below 78%.
• Automatics made initial gains in 2022, likely driven by growing AMT acceptance, but saw a slight decline in 2023.

• The automatic share rebounded slightly in 2024, reflecting renewed interest in affordable used automatic cars as traffic congestion worsens in cities.

   

Rural vs Urban Divide

• Manual Kwids dominate in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, where the lower price and ease of maintenance matter more.

• In contrast, automatics see stronger demand in metros, particularly among first-time car buyers, female drivers, and those upgrading from two-wheelers.

   

Every Engine and Gearbox Option You’ll Find in a Used Renault Kwid

The Renault Kwid’s engine and transmission options evolved to meet the needs of entry-level hatchback buyers. Here’s a breakdown of what the Kwid has offered in India:

Petrol Engine Options

1. 0.8-litre Petrol (2015-2023)

    

   • Power: 54 hp
   • Torque: 72 Nm
   • Transmissions: 5-speed manual only

   • Purpose: Focused on affordability and fuel efficiency, ideal for short city commutes.

      

2. 1.0-litre Petrol (2016-Present)

    

   • Power: 68 hp
   • Torque: 91 Nm
   • Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 5-speed AMT (Easy-R)

   • Purpose: More versatile for city and highway use, with better performance for occasional long drives.

      

Transmission Options

• 5-speed Manual Transmission

   

  • Light clutch and short throws.
  • Known for simplicity and ease of repair.

  • More engaging for enthusiasts on a budget.

     

• 5-speed AMT (Easy-R)

   

  • Automated version of the manual.
  • Ideal for city commutes.
  • Not the smoothest, especially on older models, but improved in newer iterations.
     

What you need to know about Renault Kwid Resale Values

The Renault Kwid holds respectable resale value in the used car market, thanks to its affordability, SUV-inspired styling, and budget-friendly ownership costs.

Key Takeaways from the Used Renault Kwid Resale Market

1. Affordability remains the Kwid’s biggest draw: With an average used selling price of ₹3.33 lakh, the Kwid slots perfectly into the budget-conscious segment, attracting first-time car buyers and cost-conscious families.

    

2. Manual Kwids cost less but dominate supply

    

   • Manual variants average ₹3.13 lakh, making them one of the cheapest used cars in India with SUV styling.
   • Older 0.8-litre models can sell for as little as ₹1.27 lakh, while newer 1.0-litre manuals command up to ₹5 lakh.

   • The abundance of manual Kwids ensures more competitive pricing, keeping resale values in check despite strong demand.

      

3. Automatics fetch a premium, but fewer are available

    

   • Automatic Kwids average ₹3.80 lakh, roughly ₹67,000 higher than manuals.
   • With a price range starting at ₹2.2 lakh and topping out at ₹5.4 lakh, automatic Kwids attract buyers willing to pay for convenience, especially in cities.

   • Lower supply of AMT variants gives them better price retention, particularly for newer models with low mileage.

      

4. New car price hikes push up used Kwid values

    

   • The new Kwid now starts at ₹4.69 lakh and goes up to ₹6.44 lakh, pushing more buyers into the used market.

   • As prices for new entry-level hatchbacks rise, demand for pre-owned Kwids has strengthened, helping limit depreciation.

      

5. Kwid’s SUV-like design adds resale appeal

    

   • Among budget hatchbacks, the Kwid’s SUV-inspired stance and ground clearance give it a unique appeal.

   • This “mini-SUV” image strengthens its desirability, especially in rural areas where higher ground clearance inspires confidence on rough roads.

      

6. Lower running costs attract second and third owners

    

   • Buyers see the Kwid as cheap to own and repair, making it popular even with second and third owners.

   • Renault’s expanding service network in semi-urban areas also helps sustain resale value.

      

Conclusion

The Renault Kwid’s manual transmission firmly held onto its dominance in the used car space between 2021 and 2024, consistently accounting for over 78% of sales. However, the AMT variants gained steady ground, particularly in 2024, capturing 26% of all transactions. This growing appetite for automatics highlights how traffic congestion and urbanisation are slowly nudging budget buyers toward two-pedal convenience. 

Still, the manual Kwid’s lower price, simpler mechanics, and wider availability ensure it remains the first choice for budget-conscious buyers, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. As affordable automatics become smoother and more refined, the manual-automatic gap will likely shrink further, but for now, the manual Kwid still rules.