New Renaults coming to the Auto Expo 2018; Kwid-based SUV to all-new Duster

French manufacturer Renault has two very successful cars in India – the Duster and the Kwid – and has plans of increasing this number. At the 2018 Auto Expo, Renault will showcase many new products that are expected to be launched in the market later this year. We bring you five new Renault cars that will be showcased at the Auto Expo.

Renault Duster

Renault Duster, which is sold as the Dacia Duster in many foreign markets has been updated internationally. Even though the all-new model was launched in the international market, the Indian launch has been delayed due to the arrival of the Captur. Now the new Duster is expected to be launched by the mid of 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.

Renault Zoe

Renault Zoe was recently spotted in India donning a Bengaluru based electric cab aggregator’s stickers on its body. Now it has been confirmed that Renault will showcase the electric car at the Auto Expo 2018. The car hatchback is quite practical for the Indian conditions and can do 400 km on a full charge according to the European cycle.

The Zoe also gets a massive 41 kWh battery that gets a quick charging option. It can be charged to 80% from nought in about 65 minutes. Renault claims that in the real world, the car will do around 300 km on a full charge while the battery will take 7-8 to charge completely.

Kwid-based compact SUV – HBC

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 MPV – RBC

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 facelift

The Kwid was first launched in 2015, it has been almost three years now and the hatchback not received any exterior updates. Renault is working on a facelifted model of the Kwid that will be showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo. There will not be major changes in the vehicle. The engines and transmission options will remain same.