Renault reveals Kwid Racer, Climber concepts, Kwid AMT and new 1.0-litre engine

Renault India is looking to build on the success of the game-changing Kwid hatchback in India. Earlier today, the carmaker took the wraps off two show cars – the Kwid Climber and Kwid Racer concepts. While the former is meant for venturing away from the beaten track, the latter is more at home on the asphalt of race circuits.

The  Kwid Climber has high ground clearance, wide track, short overhangs and specially designed tyres. 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.

The Kwid Racer, with its 18-inch alloy wheels, low-profile tyres, honed aerodynamics, bucket seats and a roll cage, is meant for racing. Renault says 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 show that the Kwid Racer is 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.

Laurens Van Den Acker, senior vice-president, Corporate Design, who was present at the unveil, said: “At first glance, the 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 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.”

New 1.0-litre engine and Easy-R (AMT) gearbox
Renault used the Auto Expo as an opportunity to reveal the Kwid 1.0 SCe, which is a new 1.0-litre DOHC smart control efficiency engine, which it plans to launch. The carmaker says 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. It is claimed to offer excellent drivability, both in city limits or out on the highway.

Renault has also introduced the Kwid with the Easy-R gearbox, an all-new 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) 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 optimises gearshifting 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.

According to Sumit Sawhney, country CEO and managing director, Renault India Operations, “The Kwid is a great success and has revolutionised the compact hatchback segment. We are committed to continuous innovation and are happy to showcase the Renault Kwid 1.0-litre SCe and our automated transmission version, Renault Kwid Easy – R. We will launch both these versions sometime in the future.”