Renault discontinues Kwid 800cc from the Indian market

Kwid is one of the models that popularized Renault as a brand among Indian customers. It was the most affordable product from the French car manufacturer. Renault has now discontinued the 800cc version of the Kwid from the market due to the updated RDE or BS6 phase 2 emission norms. Like many manufacturers, it did not make sense for Renault to upgrade the engine on the 800cc version to meet the new norms as it would not be financially viable. By making the 800cc engine compliant with the emission norms, the product’s price would also increase and the demand would decrease.

The manufacturer has now delisted the 800cc version of the Kwid from the official website. The 0.8-liter version of the Renault Kwid was available in RXL and RXL(O) variants. With the discontinuation of the 800cc variant, Renault will now offer only the 1.0-liter version in five variants. The 800cc variant of the Kwid used a three-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine that generated 52 Bhp and 72 Nm of peak torque. It was offered only with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

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The 1.0-liter version of the Renault Kwid is powered by a 999cc, three-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine that generates 67 Bhp and 91 Nm of peak torque. It is available with a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT gearbox option. Other than Renault, manufacturers like Maruti have also discontinued their entry-level hatchback Alto 800. Apart from Maruti Suzuki, Skoda has also discontinued the Octavia from the Indian market and removed the sedan from their official website. Skoda will soon be removing the Superb from the market too. Honda has also discontinued the Jazz, 4th generation Honda City, and WR-V from the market.

As per the new norms, a vehicle requires an on-board self-diagnostic device that will monitor real-time driving emission levels. The device will constantly monitor parts like the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors to ensure that they meet the emission standards. The RDE test measures pollutants such as Nitrogen Oxide emitted by the vehicle in real-time instead of a laboratory. As part of making the car RDE compliant, manufacturers will have to upgrade the semiconductors to monitor throttle, crankshaft positions, air intake pressure, temperature of the engine, content of the emissions from the exhaust, and programmed fuel injectors to control the level of fuel burnt.

Renault is currently working on the next-generation Duster SUV. It was one of the very first compact SUVs in the country and quickly became popular among buyers. Recently, it was reported that the model could be relaunched and would most likely be based on Renault-Nissan’s new CMF-B platform. A test mule of the next-generation Duster was spotted testing in Spain. The SUV was completely camouflaged and looked muscular too. From the pictures that are now available online, the SUV looks heavily inspired by the Bigster concept that the manufacturer had showcased. It is not yet clear whether the SUV will be launched under the Renault brand or will it be a Dacia product. Duster was an extremely popular product among buyers, and there is a possibility that the manufacturer can replicate the success with the next-gen Duster too.

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