Renault unveils Kwid (XBA) hatchback in India

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French carmaker Renault has unveiled a new hatchback in India. The Kwid, as it is called, is the company's entry level offering and is expected to be launched in the second half of 2015. It will be pitted against the Maruti Suzuki Alto and Hyundai Eon.   

The Kwid will be the first Renault-Nissan Alliance model to use the company's Common Module Family - Affordable (CMF-A) platform. It measures 3.68 metres in length, 1.58 metres in width and has a ground clearance of 180 mm. The car has short overhangs and a high driving position.

The Kwid has an SUVish look. At the front is a pair of headlights that incorporate Renault's new lighting signature including a 'C'-shaped chrome trim, a bold 3D honeycomb mesh grille and an aggressive bumper with an air dam and fog lamps. The wheel arches of the car are outlined in thick black plastic and there is a black plastic cladding on the doors as well. The door handles and mirrors are finished in black as well. The waistline of the car is high and rises as we approach the rear. At the rear is a pair of wraparound tail-lamps, a curved tail gate and a roof-mounted spoiler. The lower portion of the rear bumper is finished in black as well.

On the inside, the Kwid gets a 3-spoke steering wheel and digital instrumentation. The dashboard houses a centrally-positioned multimedia/navigation system with a 7-inch touchscreen. The centre console is finished in piano black with a chrome surround.

Renault is expected to use a new 800 cc, twin cam, three-cylinder petrol engine to power the Kwid. Codenamed BR-8, this engine will have four valves per cylinder and is likely to come with two gearbox options - manual and automated manual transmission.

For the Kwid, supplier sourcing in India has been raised to 98%, including 60% in the Chennai region. Renault claims that it will price the Kwid between Rs. 3 and 4 lakh in India.