Renault to commence production of Kwid by 2016, could be priced below Duster in India

Buzz has it that French auto maker, Renault is thinking on the lines to commence production of its Kwid concept SUV which was exhibited at the 2014 Delhi Motor Show. Renault is contemplating to begin production of Kwid concept within next two years. The production version will be metamorphosed to a sub-four meter compact SUV offered in two and four door body styles. For the domestic market, Renault will position Kwid beneath Duster in terms of price; however it is expected to be juxtaposed to EcoSport SUV.

Renault’s design studios in India and France worked collectively on the Kwid concept. The innovative design of the new concept by Renault renders a cutting edge off-road SUV look to the vehicle. Presence of stout wheels and steep off-road tyres impart an aggressive semblance to the concept. Interiors have been built to offer comfort to the occupants, the concept model showcased at the Delhi Motor Show featured a ‘Flying Companion’ that could be controlled by a tablet scaled into the dashboard.

Positioned below Captur SUV, Kwid SUV will first come with a traditional internal combustion motor coupled to a two-wheel drive train, however later the company could offer Kwid with an all electric mill.

Under the hood, a 1.5 litre DCi, four pot, turbocharged diesel engine is expected. This is the same engine that powers Duster compact SUV. The diesel powertrain engendering two states of tune, 85 PS and 110 PS will be offered on the Kwid SUV. There is also a possibility of a three pot, turbocharged engine that belts out a maximum power of 90 PS and top torque of 135 Nm. The basic version of the SUV on the other hand could come powered by the naturally aspirated version of the 1.5 litre DCi motor generates 70 PS of pinnacle power along with 91 Nm of maximum torque.