India-made Renault Kwid launched in Brazil with 1.0L and 800cc flex-fuel engines; dual front and side airbags will be offered as standard
Renault sticks by the “Made in India” motto and today has launched the Kwid hatchback produced at its Chennai plant for the Brazilian market. Unveiled by CEO Carlos Ghosn, the Kwid is shipped to Renault’s Sao Jose dos Pinhais plant where the local assembly will commence in late 2016. While the prices have not been divulged, the Brazilian-spec Kwid offers more safety features not being provided in India.
The Renault Kwid, based on CMF-A global platform, looks largely identical to its Indian counterpart except for a new set of alloy wheels. Renault Technologies Americas were responsible for the engine tweaks while the very mild design updates were performed by Renault Design Latin America. Adhering to the stringent Latin NCAP safety standards, the Kwid will be sold in Brazil with driver, co-passenger and side airbags as standard fitment besides chassis reinforcement for improved safety.
Also Read: GNCAP Aftermath: Renault Kwid to Feature Four Airbags and ABS in Brazil
The betterment of safety standards are a result of the recent GNCAP tests that brought to light the poor occupant safety in the small hatchback. The added features have certainly increased the weight by 20 per cent as it weighs 130 kilograms heavier than the Indian-spec model at 800 kg.
The dimensions will remain similar as the Kwid measures 3,679 mm in length, 1,579 mm in width, 1,478 mm in height and comprises a bootspace of 300 litres.
Also Read: Renault Kwid Rival Fiat Mobi Launched in Brazil from Rs. 6.08 Lakh
The biggest comparative change on the Brazilian Kwid is the new powertrain developed from India. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder flex-fuel (petrol/ethanol) engine and the 800cc three-cylinder flex-fuel (petrol/ethanol) motor’s specifications have not been announced yet. The power and torque figures are more likely to increase compared to the existing 800 cc engine in India that makes 53 bhp.
Also Read: Renault Kwid 1.0L Variant Could Come with AMT, ABS and Dual Airbags
Renault unveiled the 1.0-litre variant of the Kwid at the 2016 Auto Expo which is expected to be launched during the festive season in a few months. Apart from that, an AMT variant to compete against Celerio and the forthcoming Tiago AMT could be revealed before the end of this year.