Renault India unveiled new variants of the Kwid hatchback -- one with 1000cc engine and another with Automated Manual Tranmssion (AMT) -- at the Auto Expo 2016 in February. It now looks like one of these two variants will be launched in the country very soon.
In an interview with Business Standard, Renault India CEO and MD, Sumit Sawhney said, "We have plans to bring in a 1,000cc engine capacity variant of the Kwid, along with an automated manual transmission (AMT) variant. At least one of these variants should be available within the first half of the year." This makes it clear that the launch of any one of the variant can be expected anytime soon.
The Kwid 1.0-litre is identical to the currently selling 800cc engine version in terms of design. The 1000cc petrol unit is expected to develop over 65bhp mated to five-speed manual transmission. The 1.0-litre model is also expected to come with better safety features. Renault is currently offering an optional single airbag only in the top-end RxT variant. The additions will invite a hike in price and the 1.0-litre engine model prices are expected to start at Rs 3.5 lakh.
On the other hand, reports say the AMT will be only sold with 1000cc engine equipped Kwid. If the reports are true, then Renault will launch the 1.0-litre models first. The AMT transmission will be the same unit employed in the Maruti Suzuki AMT car manufactured by Fiat-owned Magneti Marelli.
