Renault have introduced their latest global car, the KWID, which will be made in India for the domestic and international markets. Here is what we think of it
India is a hotbed for small cars but, honestly, most of them look pretty much the same — small, compact and, well… basic. However, when the French decide to take charge in this bustling segment, things heat up pretty quickly. Demonstrating their eagerness to rush to the top of the segment, Renault have unveiled their latest entry-level global car, called the KWID.
A lot is riding on the shoulders of this little hatchback, whose name sounds akin to the one by which currency is called in the UK. But what exactly is the KWID all about? Well, read on as we try to decipher this KWID.
For the KWID, Renault and Nissan came together and worked on a completely new platform. This new architecture is called the ‘Common Module Family’ and will be used in a number of Nissan and Renault cars in the future as well. However, the proud thing for us Indians is that Renault also involved their Indian subsidiary in the design and engineering phase of the KWID’s development; after all, it is a car made for countries like India. Renault also mentioned that the KWID will be made in India and will have 98 per cent localisation.
The initial impression of the KWID is rather good. The most intriguing feature of the KWID is that it doesn’t really look like a generic small car. In fact, it mimics an SUV, and kudos to Renault designers and engineers for nailing that look in a small hatch. It measures just less than four metres and is 1,580 mm wide and has a ground clearance of 180 mm. These dimensions combined with short overhangs and a muscular design give the impression of an SUV. We are pretty sure that SUV-loving Indians will certainly love this new Renault because of its looks.
