5 new Renault cars & SUVs for India; Kwid-based micro SUV to all-new Duster

Renault India launched only the Captur premium SUV and the Kwid Climber in 2017. However, the French manufacturer has a few products in the line-up that will be launched in the market soon. We bring you five vehicles from Renault that are expected soon in the Indian market.

Kwid-based compact SUV – HBC

Expected launch: End 2018

The Kwid hatchback already has the looks inspired from compact SUV. However, the car cannot be passed as a full-fledged SUV. Renault will take the Kwid as a base and will make it a more intimidating vehicle. It will be based on modified version of the CMF-A platform to accommodate the heavier and bigger SUV body.

The car is expected to get higher ground clearance, a wider body and more muscular creases on the body. The car is also expected to get a thick body cladding around and refreshed face and rear. On the side, the compact SUV may look similar to the Kwid itself to keep the costs down.

Kwid-based sedan – LBC

Expected launch: 2019

Renault is yet to enter the compact sedan segment in India. The company’s only sedan, Fluence was discontinued due to the poor sales in the market. The Kwid sedan will rival vehicle like the Dzire, Figo Aspire and Hyundai Xcent in the market.

Renault is expected to add a rear boot to the Kwid and make slight changes to the front of the vehicle to make it look more premium. The Kwid gets strong wheel arches, but the sedan is expected to get redesigned arches to make it look more premium than a brute.

Kwid-based MPV – RBC

Expected launch: End 2018

Renault is also working on a 7-seater station wagon that will be based on the same CMF-A platform. Codenamed as RBC, the vehicle is expected to measure under 4 meters in length. It is expected to be similar to the Datsun Go Plus, which is also a seven-seater vehicle and is under 4-meter of length. The vehicle is expected to be priced around Rs. 5 lakh in the market and will be one of the cheapest 7-seaters in India.

Kwid-based premium hatchback

Expected launch: 2019

Renault is planning to launch a bigger hatchback based on the Kwid platform. The vehicle will be targeting the segment which is populated by the cars like Maruti Swift and Hyundai Grand i10. The new vehicle is expected to have a more powerful engine than the Kwid too. Renault may showcase a concept model of the same at the 2018 Auto Expo.

All-new Duster

Expected launch: Early – 2019

Renault sells the Duster under the Dacia brand in the international markets. The compact SUV received an update earlier this year, but the launch has been delayed due to the arrival of the Captur. The new Duster is expected to be launched sometime in the middle of this year.

The new Duster gets a new grille and a repositioned windscreen that adds a fresh look to it. The interiors have also been thoroughly updated to give a modern look. Renault may continue to use the current engine options with the upcoming Duster.

Kwid based EV

Expected launch – 2020

Renault has confirmed that they will launch an electric variant of the Kwid in India. With India’s plan to become an only electric-vehicle nation by 2030, manufacturers are working towards electrifying their products to suit the Indian market. The Kwid EV can be the first such vehicle from Renault in India.

There are not many details available about the EV that will be based on the Kwid but it will look similar to the Kwid but will get electric powertrain. The car will be developed for the Chinese market and will later enter the Indian market if there is a demand. Renault has not mentioned any timeline for the future developments, but we expect that the French manufacturer will launch the vehicles over next 2-3 years.