French carmaker Renault has been reportedly planning the launch of a 1.0-litre version of its bestselling hatchback Kwid car in August, in India. The announcement was made by Renault India at the 2016 Auto Expo, where it was revealed that the 1.0-litre variant would be launched in India in 2016.
The current Kwid uses a three-cylinder, petrol mill, with 800 cc displacement. The power output is a 52 bhp and 72 Nm of torque. The petite hatchback helped Renault achieve high volume sales for the first time with sales reaching over 75000 units.
So, it is said that the French car maker wants to further boost the sales of the Kwid with a 1.0-litre variant. The new Kwid will only feature mechanical changes, with not many visual or equipment changes. It will almost be the same as the 0.8-litre Kwid. However, dual airbags is considered likely in the top-spec variant.
The mechanical changes on the new Kwid will be a 1.0-litre SCe engine, tuned to develop 65 bhp. The engine will come mated to a 5-speed manual transmission as a standard offering, while Renault may offer its Easy R-AMT as an option.
Segment rivals for the 1.0-litre Renault Kwid, when launched, will be the Alto K10 and the Hyundai Eon 1.0-litre version. Renault India also aims to achieve a market share of 5%, before the current year draws to an end.