The Kwid, the entry level-hatchback from the French auto-maker Renault, continues to drive the sales of the company in India. The hatchback, which has become a great success in the market, recorded 9,897 units of sales in July, taking the total domestic sales of the company to 11,968 units in July 2016 as against 1,686 units in the corresponding month last year, reflecting a growth of 609.8 percent.
For Renault, the Kwid is the key sales driver and the company is expected to roll out the new much-awaited 1.0 litre variants of the hatchback in the country soon to capitalise on the current positive momentum. The new avatar of the Kwid was showcased at the Auto Expo 2016. Renault also has Kwid 1.0 litre AMT in the works. It is not sure whether the company will launch the 1.0litre Kwid in August or both.
The Kwid 1.0 litre would be powered by a 1,000cc petrol unit that is expected to develop over 65bhp mated to five-speed manual transmission. The AMT variant will also get the same engine, but with AMT box. Other changes expected in the new 1.0 litre variant of the Kwid are the addition of the safety features, such as Dual SRS airbags and ABS. Renault is currently offering an optional single airbag only in the top-end RxT variant of the Kwid.
The Kwid, which made its market debut in September 2015 is currently sold with a 799cc three-cylinder petrol motor, which is tuned to churn out 53bhp at 5,678rpm and a peak torque of 72Nm at 4,386rpm, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. It boasts fuel efficiency of 25.17kmpl.
Renault has recently increased the production of the Kwid at its factory near Oragadam, Chennai, and currently targeting production capacity to 10,000 units. The Kwid currently commands a waiting period of up to four months in India.
