When Renault India announced its road map for the 2015-16 fiscal last year, it had three key products in its mind that will increase its market share in the industry - the Lodgy MPV, entry-level car Kwid and the much awaited facelift for its popular SUV Duster. With clear product strategy and smart marketing initiatives the carmaker has managed to become a key player in the Indian car market. Now the carmaker is gearing for the next fiscal and this is what Renault planes to bring to the table.
Renault Lodgy AMT
The Renault Lodgy has been one of the key products for the French carmaker in the Indian market. Being Renault first MPV in the country, the Lodgy was well designed, came with a powerful engine, and offered decent safety and comfort features. That said, currently the Renault Lodgy is the only MPV in its segment that still comes with only a manual gearbox, this is considering the fact that the new-gen Innova will come with an automatic transmission. Understanding the need of the hour, Renault is currently working on an AMT version of the Lodgy that will go on sale later this year in India. The MPV will use the same Easy-R AMT unit that does duty on the recently launched Duster facelift.
Expected Price - 10 lakh - 12 lakh
Expected Launch - Second Half of 2016
Renault Kwid AMT
The Lodgy is not the only Renault India car that is about to get an AMT version. The carmaker is also working introducing an AMT version of its top selling hatchback Kwid. Renault showcased the Kwid AMT for the first time at the 2016 Auto Expo, which is also set to go on sale in India this year. Currently the Renault Kwid features only a 5-speed manual gearbox mated to a 799 cc, 3-cylinder petrol engine that efficiently churns out 53.2bhp and develops a peak torque of 72Nm. With the addition of an AMT unit, the Renault Kwid will be the only car in its segment to get one. Of course there is the exception of the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10, but that comes in a slightly higher league and Reanult is ready for that too with a more powerful Kwid.
Expected Price - 3 lakh - 5 lakh
Expected Launch - Second Half of 2016
Renault Kwid 1.0-Litre
As we mentioned above Renault is currently also working on a more powerful version of the Kwid that will be come with a 1.0-litre petrol engine. We saw a glimpse of the car at the Auto Expo 2016 andRenault has also started testing the car in India. The 1.0-litre version of the Kwid will initially come mated to only a manual gearbox as the car will be launched before the AMT version goes on sale. We also expect to see more safety equipment including dual airbags and ABS as standard on the Renault Kwid 1.0-litre.
Expected Price - 4 lakh - 6 lakh
Expected Launch - Mid 2016
Renault Kaptur
Renault had official unveiled its 5-seater crossover - Kaptur earlier this month in Russia. Based on the Renault's European hatchback Captur, the car is on the French carmaker's road map for India. The Ranault Kaptur is not a sub-4 metre SUV and measures 4333mm in length, which brings it in the league of the Hyundai Creta and the upcoming Honda BR-V. Reports suggest that Renault will bring the car to India but not before launching it in Brazil which will be some time later in 2017.
Expected Price - 8 lakh - 12 lakh
Expected Launch - Late 2017
