Renault exports upcoming Kwid hatchback to France for testing

Renault India is gearing up to launch the recently unveiled Kwid hatchback this year, which will be its most affordable offering in the country. Having received a positive response for the SUV-like stance coupled with clutter-free yet well-laden interiors, the Kwid might just be a game changer for the French automaker that is looking to tap the volumes game.

Now ahead of the market launch this festive season, Renault has exported certain units of the entry-level hatchback to its home market France for testing purposes. Developed for emerging markets, the Renault Kwid will not only be launched in India but will also be exported to other developing countries globally that profess a similar demand for entry-level models.

That said, the Kwid will be manufactured at the Renault-Nissan alliance plant in Oragadam, near Chennai with an impressive 97 percent localisation. In terms of power, the newly developed 800cc petrol engine will power the hatchback and is said to churn out around 57 BHP while fuel efficiency will exceed the 20 km/l mark.

In addition, the Renault Kwid will be offered with an AMT unit which will make it a competitive alternative against the Maruti Alto K10 AGS in the segment. Based on the low-cost CMF-A platform, the styling has turned out to be the talking point of the Kwid with a Duster-inspired front while the rear gets a neatly sculpted boot lid.

The hatchback comes with a class leading 180 mm ground clearance which is on par with several compact SUVs. Renault has promised that the Kwid will be priced between Rs. 3-4 lakhs (ex-showroom).