Renault has taken a step forward towards playing a volume game in India with the reveal of its small car ‘KWID’ known as Kayou or XBA till date. Renault’s entry level hatchback KWID will be based on all new CMF-A (Common Module family) platform (first Renault-Nissan car to use this platform) and will be produced at Renault-Nissan India plant in Oragadam, Chennai. It is a global product and will be sold in European markets but under the Dacia badge.
The car was revealed by the CEO and Chairman of Renault Nissan, Mr. Carlos Ghosn and it will cheapest Renault offered in India. It would be launched during the festive season in India during October- November 2015 and would be priced in the domain Rs. 3 to 4 lakh (ex-showroom).
With compact SUV cues, KWID is inspired by Renault’s global design language and follows a very rugged theme. The Baby SUV look alike KWID flaunts 3D Honeycomb grille, two circular fog lamps, high bonnet, body cladding and two tone headlights gives the Baby duster a jagged look. Side profile is rather clean with black side mouldings, black wheel arches but Renault has put turn indicators at very unconventional position on the cladding around the wheels.
Rear profile is quite distinct from other Renault products and gets quite a dose of black cladding at rear too. The sharp tail lamps, large and muscular bonnet with KWID badging and beefed up bumper complete the look of the car. KWID is an entry level hatchback so you will some cost cutting like the mirrors are non- adjustable; doors don’t have pull type handles, three lug nuts on the wheels and single wiper to name few.
Inside the cabin, there is a segment first 7 inch touchscreen MEDIANAV infotainment system with radio and bluetooth telephony, central console is finished in piano black color theme, power windows, central locking and digital instrument cluster, another segment first feature. KWID would also feature with an optional driver side airbag.
The KWID is positioned in sub 4 metre segment, measures 3.68m in length, 1.58 in width and CMFA platform will offer highest knee room in its class and in addition it has high ground clearance of 180mm.
KWID is expected to be powered by an 800cc petrol engine codenamed BR-10 mated with 5-speed manual and an AMT transmission. Acc to the company, KWID would deliver segment leading fuel efficiency. KWID is specifically made for market like India and it is only car in the country to have 98 percent localization level.
Renault KWID will be launched in India first followed by developing and then in global markets at the later stage. KWID will take on the well established Maruti Suzuki Alto and Hyundai EON in India.
Renault-Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn said, “This car will be a game changer for Renault in India. It will be a big contributor to our India growth story first, secondly in other emerging markets and then globally,” “With KWID, Renault continues to pursue its strategy of accessible mobility for all to step up its international growth. Using a new Renault-Nissan Alliance platform and following the trail blazed by the Duster, the KWID will enable Renault to continue its expansion and address the needs of customers who want a vehicle that is stylish, robust and easy to use” he added.
