Renault Kwid Facelift Spied Testing In India: Details
The Kwid has been an important model for Renault in India. First launched in India in 2015, it remained the French carmaker’s most affordable model for a long time and continued to sell well. In the past few years, however, it has been posting lukewarm monthly numbers. Renault is now working on reviving its India business and revamping its entire portfolio. Recently, the Triber and Kiger received notable facelifts. Now, the carmaker seems to be working on a facelift for the Kwid. Spy shots of the updated hatchback undergoing road trials have now surfaced.
New Renault Kwid: What Do The Spy Shots Tell Us?
The test mule shows a bunch of interesting updates. The styling has been completely revised, even though the dimensions remain identical to those of the previous model. The front fascia looks completely fresh. It gets a new grille and revised headlamp cluster.
The LED DRLs now get a new, more attractive design. Headlamps on the test mule are halogen units. The front and rear bumpers seem to be new as well. Like its predecessor, the new Kwid will also come with bold Black body cladding. The actual design of this could be different from what was seen on the last model that was sold here.
The logos on the test car have been kept covered. The facelift is expected to come with Renault’s new logo- the same that’s featured on the new Kiger and the Triber. Other notable details on the mule are squared-off wheel arches, flap-style door handles, reworked tail lamps, a roof spoiler, and a rear wiper. Roof rails have gone missing. Wheels on the prototype are regular steel units with premium wheel covers. The overall design will likely bind the facelifted Kwid closer to the new Triber and Kiger on the visual front.
The new sighting also gives a quick glance inside the cabin. We can see a new large touchscreen inside. The UI seems to be different as well. The new model will get a fresh cabin layout and come with a new steering wheel design and a digital instrument cluster.
The powertrain details of the upcoming hatchback remain unknown for now. The vehicle in these spy pictures seems to be an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) model. It is likely to continue with the previous model’s 1.0L naturally aspirated petrol engine, but in a higher state of tune. The power and torque figures of the previous Kwid were 67hp and 91 Nm, respectively. These could increase on the new model.
Kwid EV In The Works?
Renault India is known to be developing an electric vehicle (EV) version of the Kwid. The EV prototype was previously spotted on test in India. Renault’s sub-brand Dacia already sells the electric version in many global markets under the name ‘Spring EV’. It is available with two versions- producing 44hp and 64hp each, but powered by the same 26.8 kWh battery pack. The claimed range is 220 km per charge.
The mule spotted on test had a grille that looked similar to the one on the previous model. Even from the side, the EV looked almost exactly like the ICE model. The tail lamps looked different. It also had roof rails and a rod-type antenna.
Image Source: Team bhp
Being spotted on test here doesn’t, however, mean that Renault will launch the Kwid EV in India sometime soon. It sure remains a possibility, with no official confirmation yet. The limited appeal of budget electric hatchbacks in India could likely be pulling the carmaker back from bringing the Kwid EV to our shores.
Image Source: weguide.auto