5 new Renaults coming soon to India

Renault has launched a few successful products in India like the Kwid and the Duster. The French carmaker is planning to put new products on the market, and next year, there will be a slew of launches from the brand. Here are five upcoming Renault cars that are expected soon in the Indian market.

Kwid based MPV/RBC

Expected Launch: 2018

Renault will enter the entry-level MPV segment in India with the launch of a new MPV that codenamed as RBC. The car is being specially developed for the Indian market and is based on the CMF-A platform that also underpins the Kwid.

The new MPV will have three-row seats and will seat seven. Renault is expecting a Kwid-like success with the new vehicle. It will be under 4-metres to get excise benefits and will be of the similar size of the Datsun Go+. The car will be positioned below Maruti Ertiga in the market. Renault may also showcase the vehicle at the 2018 Auto Expo.

Kwid based sedan/LBC

Expected Launch: Late 2018

The CMF-A platform of the Kwid is currently being used to underpin MPV and hatchback, but we are yet to see a sedan. Renault is yet to launch a compact sedan in India, and the LBC will be the DZire-rivalling sedan in the Indian 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 Electric Vehicle

Expected Launch: 2020

Renault has also 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.

Captur Automatic

Expected Launch: Early 2018

Renault launched the premium SUV, the Captur in India but there is no automatic variant of the vehicle. Renault has ruled out an AMT option for the Captur because it may not align with the premium features of the vehicle but a CVT is expected in the near future.

The car gets the same 1.5-litre diesel and 1.5-litre petrol engine that is used in Duster. The automatic CVT is expected to be launched with the petrol variant of the car. We may also get to see a dual-clutch transmission with the diesel version of the Captur.

Duster

Expected Launch: Mid-2018

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 by mid-2018.

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.