Ever dreamt of a road trip along the stunning Indian coastline? Renault India’s 2024 Expedition offered just that, with a thrilling three-day, 700 km+ adventure from Karnataka to the ever-popular beach paradise of Goa. This wasn’t just any road trip; it was a chance to experience the diverse landscapes and Renault’s exciting car lineup firsthand.
A Coastal Dream Realized: From Cityscapes to Scenic Highways
As a North Indian resident, coastal drives were a distant dream. Despite planning Goa trips with friends, fate hadn’t been on our side. This Renault expedition, however, presented the perfect opportunity to combine work and pleasure. Not only would I be exploring Goa for the first time, but I’d also have the chance to test drive a range of Renault vehicles, with the Kiger Turbo topping my list.
Day 1: Bengaluru to Madikeri – A Kwid Surprise
Excitement buzzed through the air as we embarked on our journey. While I envisioned myself cruising in the Kiger, the first day presented a surprise – the keys to the manual transmission Renault Kwid. A small hatchback with a 1.0L naturally aspirated engine producing 68 PS initially sparked doubts. “Can this truly be an enjoyable drive?” I thought. But remembering the wisdom of not judging a book by its cover, I embraced the experience.
First Impressions: Kwid’s City Maneuvers and Highway Confidence
Our first stop was Madikeri, a 260 km journey from Bengaluru via Mysore. The initial leg involved navigating bustling Bengaluru traffic, but the vibe shifted drastically upon hitting the Bangalore-Mysore Expressway. This impressive 10-lane highway stretched for approximately 110 km, offering a smooth and relaxing two-hour drive to Mysore. My co-pilot and companion for the day, Aniruthan, effortlessly set the navigation using the Kwid’s user-friendly 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The Kwid’s ride quality surprised me. Despite its size, it handled everything thrown its way, from highway undulations to rough patches. Additionally, the high-speed stability impressed me. Even cruising at triple-digit speeds, the Kwid felt surprisingly steady. Since our route involved an uphill climb after Mysore, it presented the perfect opportunity to test the Kwid’s 1.0L engine.
Being a manual transmission, I had complete control over the gearing and clutch, crucial on inclines. However, the Kwid did struggle on steeper slopes, requiring frequent downshifts to second gear for overtaking. The final few kilometers to Madikeri, Coorg, were a testament to this, but the scenic beauty made the climb worthwhile.
Day 2: Madikeri to Gokarna – Unveiling the Kwid’s Handling and Triber’s Comfort
Day 2 brought the excitement of a new route and a different Renault car. Surprisingly, the Kwid remained my companion, but this time, I yielded the driver’s seat to Aniruthan, opting to soak in the morning views from the passenger seat.
Kwid Through the Ghats: Curves and Breathtaking Vistas
The journey from Madikeri to Gokarna, covering 365 km, was the longest leg of the trip. This route included a highly anticipated stop at Maravanthe Beach. The initial leg involved navigating the scenic Ghats, with plenty of curves and corners. Eager to experience the Kwid’s handling, I switched back to the driver’s seat. While the Kwid exhibited some body roll due to its wheelbase and ground clearance, it was a manageable trade-off for the breathtaking locations we encountered. Needless to say, numerous photo stops were mandatory.
Triber Takes the Wheel: Spacious Comfort on the Coastal Stretch
Emerging from the Ghats, we reached the outskirts of Mangalore, our first stop for lunch. Feeling refreshed, I decided to explore a new ride: the Renault Triber (manual transmission, thankfully!). With four passengers and heavy camera equipment onboard (it was the designated camera crew car), we embarked on a 100+ km journey to Maravanthe Beach. The Triber provided a noticeably spacious and comfortable experience, making the journey a breeze.
FAQs:
Q: What cars were featured in the Renault Expedition 2024?
A: The Renault Expedition 2024 showcased three different Renault cars: Kwid, Triber, and Kiger, providing participants with a diverse driving experience.
Q: How long was the coastal road trip from Karnataka to Goa?
A: The coastal road trip spanned over three days, covering a distance of over 700 km from Karnataka to Goa, offering participants the opportunity to explore scenic routes and picturesque destinations along the way.
Q: What were the highlights of the journey?
A: The journey featured breathtaking views, thrilling curves, and memorable stops at iconic locations such as Maravanthe Beach and Coorg, providing participants with unforgettable experiences and moments to cherish.
