New Renault Kwid hatchback tested by Autocar India

Renault revealed a new A-segment hatchback dubbed Kwid earlier this year, which will be launched in India before the end of 2015.

Based on the KWID concept of 2014, the new hatchback is described as “eminently modern” and comes with “unprecedented features for its segment”.

Now, Autocar India has tested the new model in the video below.

The Kwid is based on the new CMF-A platform - part of the Common Module Family architecture produced by the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Designed to be as versatile as the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, the CMF architecture represents significant cost savings for Renault-Nissan.

The new hatchback features SUV-inspired styling, including plastic body cladding around its lower edges and a bold, aggressive front bumper. It’s also raised up, with 180mm of ground clearance.

Inside, the five-door Kwid gets a digital instrument cluster and a 7.0in central infotainment screen.

Interior dimensions haven’t yet been specified, but Renault says the Kwid will offer Indian customers best-in-class boot and interior space.

Renault has only released details of one engine which will be offered in the Kwid, a new 0.8-litre petrol unit which will be "extremely well positioned in terms of fuel consumption." A new five-speed manual transmission will also be offered.

The company currently offers its Pulse hatchback in India with 1.5-litre diesel and 1.2-litre petrol engines.

Renault refers to the hatchback as a global model, suggesting it could find its way to other emerging markets and countries - such as Russia, Brazil and China -  in the future. The company has confirmed there are no plans to bring the Kwid to Europe.

Currently, 46% of Renault’s sales come from outside Europe, compared to 37% in 2010. With national sales increasing, India stands to be the world’s third-largest market by 2020. A-segment cars currently account for 30% of the country’s retail sales.

The French firm says it plans to increase its share in the growing Indian market from 2% to 5% in the medium term.

Renault first entered the Indian market as an independent brand in 2010, and has its own design centres in Mumbai and Chennai. It had 157 dealers across the country in 2014, a figure expected to increase to 205 dealerships by the end of this year.

Renault-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn said: “The Kwid will enable Renault to continue its expansion and address the needs of customers who want a vehicle that is stylish, robust and easy to use.”

Renault says the Kwid will be launched in India with a price tag of between 3 and 4 lakh rupees, which equates to roughly £3000-£4000.

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