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Mod Note: Our Kwid Report has been taken live at this link. Please continue the discussion over on the new thread. Thanks!

Renault has unveiled its upcoming hatchback, called the Kwid, for the global market. This is the first time that the French car maker has unveiled a car outside Europe.

High Points:

• Renault claims that the Kwid is a result of the company's 5 years worth of learning in India.
• France, Japan, Korea and India have played a role in developing this car.
• It is the first car to be built on the CMF architecture. Nissan's offering (codenamed: I2), built on this very platform, will wear the Datsun badge and will be introduced next year.
• This is the first car to boast of 98% localization levels from the start.
• Renault is going to launch the Kwid with an 800cc DOHC petrol engine.
• The Kwid boasts of being the most fuel-efficient car in its segment, with the best-in-class knee room and boot space.
• A driver airbag will be available only as an option.
• Prices are expected to be in the range of Rs. 3-4 lakhs and the launch is expected in the festive season this year i.e. between September-November.
• It will NOT be launched in Europe. Renault will only focus on emerging markets.
• By the end of 2016, Renault expects to have 280 dealerships across the country.
• Renault targets a 5% market share in India. The Renault-Nissan alliance is targeting 10%!

Renault first showcased the Kwid concept at the 2014 Auto Expo. It was a funky, compact-looking, SUV-like hatchback with a raised suspension and massive off-road tyres. The company had revealed its future design philosophy back then itself. When the CEO announced "presenting the Kwid", it was like a 'Eureka' moment for most of the people present in the room:


A budget hatchback with the appeal of a mini-SUV...interesting!


Black plastic body cladding does give the car a robust look:


It measures only 3.68 metres in length:


Paint quality seemed very good. Even panel gaps were largely consistent:


A Grand i10-esque rear 3 quarter look:


1.58 metres wide:

[S2!!!]

Mod Note: Our Kwid Report has been taken live at this link. Please continue the discussion over on the new thread. Thanks!


Look at the Kwid in isolation and it does look like a butch crossover (minus the puny tyres):



Some resemblance to the Duster, no?


Will this badge give tough competition to the 'S' or H? Only time will tell...


Single barrel headlamps. The C-shaped elements add a nice touch:


I like the foglamp housing design:


Exposed tow hook:


I prefer this rectangular air inlet design to the honeycomb ones we're so used to seeing:


Notice the very unique bonnet line:


A closer look:


Single wiper with a double arm. Notice there is no wiper console. Single windscreen washer located on the bonnet.


Interesting integration of the side indicators in the black wheel cladding:


155/80 R13 tyres look puny on this car. Do keep in mind, this is going to be the most fuel efficient car in its segment, so that kind of explains the reason behind why these are used. Only 3 wheel nuts, to keep costs low:


Manually adjustable black ORVMs:


Uniquely-shaped door handles. Only the driver-side door gets a keyhole:


Loooooooong roof antenna:


Blackened B-pillars and a rising window line at the rear are nice touches. Don't miss the black door handles and the black side-strip below, both of which add some character to the side profile:


In case you missed it, the rear window goes down only ~80%:


Variant badge is on the rear quarter plastic panel:


Sculpted roof. Probably to add some rigidity to the structure:


Windscreen wraps around the rear:


However, not the entire glass area is see-through:


Notice the black bumper area. While the latest fad among other manufacturers is to introduce a hatchback and then its Cross variant, Renault has introduced a Cross variant to begin with:


Tail lights too look like the Grand i10's:


Renault badge in the centre of the hatch with KWID written underneath:


This hatchback is bound to improve the visibility of the Renault brand:


A slot to slip in your hand to lift the hatch:


The hatch is prone to dents because of the way it protrudes out:


An exposed underbody:

[S2!!!]

Interiors wear a black and grey theme. Everything is basic and functional here:


Not Datsun-like basic. There are some nice touches too which give it an upmarket appeal:


Steering wheel feels nice to hold. Notice the thumb contours. The horn was a meek 'peep' sounding one:


Digital speedometer and fuel gauge - a segment first:


Basic quality stalks. Do note, they're not on the wrong side (i.e. European orientation). Nothing fancy here:



Seats feel wide enough. Even the integrated headrests are large. They wear this red, grey and black theme:


Door pads are very basic. A small pocket is provided:


Old fashioned pull-type lock:


Wondering where the power window switches and central lock buttons are? Here, in the central console region:


Single cabin light. No day/night mirror:


Piano black touches on the central console. The middle air-vents can be completely shut too:


Side air-con vents have a classy chrome ring surround:


7" touchscreen navigation in a Rs. 4 lakh hatchback!


The manual air-con controls:


Small + medium-sized cup holder and a 12v socket in the gear console:


Hexagonal gear lever:


Handbrake is a stubby unit:


Storage areas are plenty. A large compartment on the dashboard + an open cubby area underneath:


Glove box too is of a large size:


Front speakers are located on top of the dashboard:


Only front power windows. Rear gets manual winders:


Like its competitors, getting in and out isn't the easiest due to the limited gap:


Rear seats too have tall integrated headrests. They're actually usable!


Seat is wide enough to accommodate two adults + a child. Under-thigh support was decent:


Knee room with the front seat adjusted for a 6-footer. Since the front seat-backs are soft, you can bury your knees in them. I still had ~2" between my knee and the front seat:


No retractable rear seatbelts. Notice the seat fabric material:


Boot area is actually quite big! It should be able to swallow 1 large suitcase and a couple of cabin bags easily:


No cladding / cover here:


Disclaimer: Renault invited Team-BHP for the global unveiling of the Kwid. They covered all the expenses for this event.

[ashutoshb]

The name is Renault Kwid!

[vinair]

This is it Renault's new small car!! its Renault 'Kwid'

Looks like a mini Duster, a big plus!!

Launch during Oct and Nov
Priced from 3 lacs !!!
Features - Navigation system, interior volume and trunk to be best in class!!
Doubling the network to 280 by the next one year
Milestone - 5% market share with the new model, agreed Duster makes most of the sales. Deep level of localization in future.
Kwid will be first for the Indian market. India to be export hub for Kwid (for the region, APJ). Exports to other countries in limited numbers.
More offering to come in this segment from Renault.
Airbags to be offered as an option.
No cross badging with Nissan anymore. However, this platform will be used for a different design with Nissan. Nissan will no re-badge Renault Kwid.

[groom]

Here's one more picture:

[ottocycle]

That looks really really cool. From exteriors to interiors, I love everything about this car. That's how the entry level cars from Maruti should look like.

[adimicra]

WOW.. absolutely loved it. If this is priced in the same range as Alto K10/Eon, this should set the sales charts on fire! A sureshot winner from Renault. I think Renault needs to do more on the marketing front to make sure the buzz reaches to a wider audience.
Apart from Alto and Eon, this should also be able compete favorably with the next segment of hatches like WagonR/Celerio/I10/Brio etc.

[GypsyKing_775]

Not sure if this is what will be the XBA.
Registered on Renault Indias website & got a call back also.
The executive on the other end confirmed that Kwid and XBA/Kayou are different cars.
Now I am confused because i really liked the Kwid !
Hope that XBA is indeed Kwid

[prashanthyr]

Renault has really nailed the design on this one. Looks like they have learned from the Datsun mistakes. All cost cutting hidden behind fantastic styling, which is no bad thing. I only wish they had stuck to 4 lug nuts and not reduced it to 3

[Deep Blue]

Wow! Finally a nice looking small hatch unlike those ugly ducklings from Maruti/Honda/Hyundai. I hope Renault prices it well, offers AT, and expands its service footprint too.

Edit : Also hope it drives like a Ford!

[anup7649]

Super looks and quality seen in these pictures. Hope it is the same physically as well. Amazing design as well.
I am in love with this car and waiting for engine specifications to suggest to my friends.

[vinair]

Engine specs - Kwid - is going to be a 800CC engine (with no frills or any new tech).

Future evolution planned on this engine.

Datsun 'Redigo' (will be based on this platform).

[rahul412]

Amazing. What a knock out blow from Renault. This has success written all over it. After Mini SUVs looks like the era of Micro SuVs have arrived. Common Maruti your move now.

[karan561]

Its such a disappointment

Original KWID 'concept';



^ They show us THIS ^

But they Launch this;



Its a pretty "ordinary" design i believe, which may look good now, but will look like just as another car in a few months, there's nothing revolutionary about this design like we had seen in the concept.