Renault India demonstrated its
ambition to keep building on the success of the Renault Kwid, by showcasing the
Renault Kwid 1.0 Litre SCe and Renault Kwid Easy-R at the Auto Expo in India.
Renault also proved its
progressive design innovation by showcasing two concept cars, Renault Kwid
Climber and Renault Kwid Racer. The concept cars have been largely designed and
developed by Renault’s design studios in Mumbai and Chennai and underscore
Renault’s commitment to the Indian market.
Renault presented its brand new
1.0 litre engine with an optimised design for better performance that it plans
to launch. The 4 valves per cylinder of the Double Over Head Camshaft layout
ensures low pressure drop and super-efficient valve lift for a higher air
filling; thus allowing the engine to make usable power at low end, mid-range
and high-end rev bands.
This high technology engine
offers excellent drivability, be it slick city streets or out in the open
highway. Built solid and crafted carefully, this all new 1.0 litre SCe engine
takes the ever capable and feature rich Renault Kwid to all new heights.
The Renault Kwid comes with
the Easy-R Gear Box - an all-new 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) a
technology derived from Renault’s rich and successful expertise in Formula 1.
Easy-R Gear Box: A clutch free
driving experience that combines the fuel economy and performance of a manual
transmission with the convenience of automated gear shifting. The Innovative
Shift Control Dial with three modes Reverse – Neutral - Drive has been smartly
designed for ease of use. An advanced control unit automatically optimizes gear
shifting in accordance with driving conditions for smooth and regular
acceleration to offer a comfortable and stress-free driving experience. The
Crawl function helps move forward and backward slowly without any throttle
input.
The Renault Kwid Climber
stands tall as an off-roader. With its high ground clearance, wide track, short
overhangs and the specially designed pattern of its tyres, this car is built
for adventure off the beaten track. It has all the qualities of an off-roader,
including a compact footprint, high ground clearance, big bumpers, side
protective mouldings, and generous, diamond-effect wheels. Its deep Flame
Orange finish underscores the sculpted lines of the body.
The wheel arch extensions are
highlighted in electric blue. This draws attention to the robust features which
have become the Renault KWID’s hallmark.
The special protective
housings of the car’s lights heighten its all-terrain feel. A born off-roader,
the Climber draws on the DNA of the Renault KWID to develop its SUV capability
to the extreme. The result is a very distinctive personality which suits all
types of adventure.
The interior features superior
materials, like Nappa leather for the steering wheel and upholstery. The snap
hooks, shoulder belts and seat belt straps echo the world of rock-climbing and
are another outdoor cue. They also bring a high-tech feel to the cabin.
The Renault Kwid Racer belongs to an entirely different
category of car and conjures up the world of racing, with 18-inch alloy wheels,
low-profile tyres, honed aerodynamics, bucket seats and a roll cage.
It boasts of a sporty metallic
blue finish. Its wide air intakes are suggestive of performance, while the
spoilers and diffuser guarantee outstanding handling. The C-shaped LED lighting
signature and the high-tech treatment of the lights signal that the Renault
KWID Racer is clearly in tune with Renault’s new design strategy.
The inside of the car features
materials like Alcantara, aluminium and carbon. The Titane Black trim is
emphasised by touches of anodised red that is suggestive of the world of motor
racing.
The totem console in the
centre of the dashboard displays the telemetry data so the driver can track his
or her performance in real time.
Tightly strapped into a
four-point harness in the bucket seat, the driver benefits from a digital rev
counter and a leather-trimmed steering wheel which boasts an alloy frame
specially designed for racing.
Both the show cars are two
distinct cars, which complement each other perfectly.
Sumit Sawhney, Country CEO and
Managing Director, Renault India Operations, said, “Renault KWID is a great
success and has revolutionised the compact hatchback segment, living true to
our promise of creating a new era in automotive history. It has generated
unprecedented success in its category and has won the hearts of customers’ and
automotive experts alike. At Renault, we are committed to continuous innovation
and we are happy to showcase the Renault KWID 1.0 litre SCe and Renault KWID
EASY – R, our automated version. We will launch both these versions sometime in
the future.”
Laurens Van Den Acker, Senior
Vice President, Corporate Design, who was present at the unveil, shared, “At
first glance, Renault KWID blends an emotional design with the need for
reassurance expressed by customers. Its SUV lines mirror its tough, robust
character and underpin its distinctive, modern look. Both of the show cars are
based on the Renault KWID platform. The front end is distinctive and
immediately recognisable as a Renault. The wheel arches are generous and the
unique body colours bear design touches common to both vehicles.”