Renault KWID crossover could enter by 2016

Remember the futuristic mat Grey and neon Yellow compact crossover Renault showcased in February at the Auto Expo – Renault KWID; well, the crossover is reported to enter the production line 2016. The French auto maker made the world debut of the KWID crossover concept at the Expo, the first concept debuted overseas showing the utter dedication towards Indian market. This EcoSport killer is slated for 2016, being under 4m sticks to excise duty relaxation leading to the price bracket of Ford Ecosport. Renualt's current compact SUV Duster being slightly over 4m losses on the pricing battle with the EcoSport; KWID will compete neck to neck on this front.

Speaking about the KWID, expect the glitzy-glam detailing of the concept to be toned down in the production version. The exquisite features of the concept like butterfly wing doors, central driving position, alternative material construction and flamboyant colors will certainly be reiterated to production spec.

The concept boasts a high riding beefy and bulging profile that will be carried forward. Renault usually carry forward the concept's name and overall layout to the production spec vehicle, Renault Capture (compact crossover SUV sold in overseas markets) traces the entire layout of the concept – Capture concept showcased at 2011 Geneva Motor Show; so expect the upcoming crossover to be christened as KWID.

The concept measures a mere 3.6m in length but the production version will be a tad less than 4m to make it a lil' roomier. The hexagonal air dam, new Renault family grille, huge wheel arches, a coupe like roofline will be the characteristics of the new upcoming compact SUV. Talking about the engines, Renault will bring the Ford's EcoBoost slayer TCe90, a 898cc turbocharged multi-point sequential fuel injection petrol motor offering 90bhp of max power and a decent torque figure of 135Nm besides returning nearly fuel economy of 20kmpl; 2kmpl more than the EcoBoost.

The Duster facelift which is coming at the year end is also expected to be powered by the same turbo petrol. The diesel on the KWID is likely to be the dCe 90 powering the Renault Capture; its the tweaked version of the Renault's 85Ps K9k diesel motor pulling the Duster 85PS; the dCe90 churns out 90bhp and 220Nm of torque nearly 5bhp more and 20Nm of extra grunt! The facelifted Duster is also expected to carry forward this powertrain.

Read what Alex Breun had to say about their concept KWID in our earlier article.

Source: Auto Express UK