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NEWS
Revealed: Renault Kwid concept
Renault wagers a Kwid on the Indian market with its first concept to be unveiled outside EuropeRenault is showcasing its commitment to India and other emerging markets with this somewhat cartoonish concept, dubbed the Kwid.
Designed to appeal to a youthful audience and demonstrate Renault’s ability to create attractive small cars, the Kwid was conceived by an international team that included designers from India, Brazil, Japan, Romania, South Korea and, of course, France.
As evident from the accompanying images, the Kwid has the look and proportions of a Dakar endurance rally weapon, with its high-riding stance, bulging wheelarch flares and roof-mounted scoop.
There’s not much about the car’s visuals that are likely to translate through to a future showroom-ready offering, but its purpose is more to spark interest in the brand in the burgeoning Indian market and attract people to Renault’s stand at this week’s Delhi Auto Expo.
While the bodywork might be flight-of-fancy stuff, there are clues to be gleaned elsewhere as nestled under the snout is the latest-generation downsized 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine mated to Renault’s EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) transmission.
The Kwid is also ZE (Zero Emission) compatible as it has been packaged to accept an electric motor and batteries, and there’s even a charging plug behind the Renault logo.
Other tech novelties include an electric operated front three-person bench seat (with the driver seated in the middle, a la McLaren F1), electric opening doors, LED lighting and the lack of a gearshift knob (there’s allegedly a touch-control system next to the steering).
There’s also a vertically-mounted TFT touchscreen display that acts as the dashboard, as well as providing access to connected services.
In Renault’s words, the interior of the Kwid was designed “to serve as a snug cocoon and is inspired by a bird’s nest”.
The PR bumpf goes on to say the concept was tailored specifically to meet the needs of Indian drivers, with its five-seat layout making it relevant to the vast majority of buyers.
The bulk of Renault’s sales in India (it sells about 65,000 cars a year in that market) currently come from the Duster, a utilitarian compact SUV that offers space, practicality and robustness at a highly affordable price.
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Written byGautam Sharma
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