Renault Kwid set to get more variants: Climber and Racer on the anvil?

Renault India received the much-needed reboot after the launch of Kwid in September 2015. The small car carved its own space in the entry-level hatchback segment which is the domain of Maruti Suzuki. The company recently launched Kwid 1.0-litre and Kwid AMT, but it looks like that is not the end of the story. Renault India is reportedly planning to introduce more Kwid variants in the future.

"Customers needn't wait for years, but only months to see something new on the Kwid. You will see some excitement on a sustained basis. I also look forward to seeing sustained life-cycle management," company CEO and managing director Sumit Sawhney told Autocar India.

With an aim to maintain positive sales, the company plans to launch a new variant of the Kwid every year, reports the publication.

Renault India has sold over 1,07,033 units of the Kwid so far in the country. Riding on Kwid, Renault India breached one lakh car sales for the first time since the brand was introduced in 2008. During the period from January 2016 to October 2016, Renault India sold 1,11,387 units of its vehicles as against 35,786 units sold during the same period in 2015, registering a growth of 211.7 percent.

Renault India showcased Kwid Climber and racer concepts at the Auto Expo 2016 in February. Production version of these two is the most probable next Kwid variants. As the name suggests, Kwid racer is focused for track use. It has been showcased with wide air intakes, spoiler, diffuser, 18-inch alloy wheels on low-profile tyres, honed aerodynamics, bucket seats with four-point harness, roll cage and digital rev counter.

Kwid Climber is an off-roader and comes with features like short overhangs, high ground clearance, fattened bumpers and side protective mouldings. It also has features like specially-designed pattern tyres and diamond cut wheels with extensions highlighted in electric blue shade. Inside, it gets Nappa leather for the steering wheel and upholstery.

Production versions of Kwid Climber and Racer will be toned down to keep the price in check. It is more likely to be offered as limited edition variants. Launch can be expected in mid-2017.