Renault Kwid production suspended due to engine issue, waiting period likely to go up: Report

Renault found to have high noise levels in about 1,500 engines and are being scrapped.

All is not well with the French automaker Renault's Kwid. Renault has reportedly halted the production of its much-acclaimed Kwid at the Oragadam plant in Chennai due to engine issues. A report by ET Auto, citing vendor and dealer sources, reveals that the production of the Kwid has been suspended at the plant from May 11.

According to the report, Renault was found to have high noise levels in about 1,500 engines that were made for the Kwid and this could be the reason for halting the production. Not a single unit of the Kwid that is currently commanding a waiting period of over five months in the country has been made since May 11 and according to the company, the stoppage is unlikely to affect the deliveries of the model. Renault said that the stoppage is part of the regular maintenance of the plant and the production of the Kwid is in line with the monthly target of the company. However, Renault's filings with the Tamil Nadu government states that the shutdown is from May 21 to 29.

The Kwid, the small car with SUV-stance, has become an instant hit in the Indian market and currently has over 1.25 lakh bookings in its account. Retailed at a starting price of Rs. 2.62 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the Kwid competes against the likes of Maruti Suzuki Alto and Hyundai Eon.

It is powered by 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 and returns ARAI-claimed fuel efficiency of 25.17kmpl. Renault is expected to roll out 1.0litre petrol engine and AMT avatar of the Kwid in the near future.

[1 lakh = 100,000 | 1 crore = 10 million | 100 crore = 1 billion]