The French automotive giant, Renault, has officially unveiled the Kwid E-Tech in Brazil – a fully electric variant of its immensely popular Kwid hatchback. This exciting new model utilizes the robust Dacia Spring platform, and intriguingly, test units have been frequently spotted on Indian roads, fueling speculation about an imminent launch. Let’s delve into the essential details of this promising electric vehicle.
Renault Kwid E-Tech: Key Features Explored
While maintaining the familiar silhouette of its petrol counterpart, the Kwid E-Tech introduces several electric-specific and futuristic design enhancements. The front fascia boasts a sleek, shut-off grille adorned with vertical slats. At its center, the new Renault logo ingeniously integrates the vehicle’s charging port. Bold LED headlamps and distinctive horizontal Y-shaped DRLs contribute to a clean, thoroughly modernized front-end aesthetic.
Around the back, the Y-shaped LED taillights are elegantly linked by a glossy black strip, complemented by a sharper, more sculpted bumper. From the side profile, the Kwid E-Tech showcases stylish 14-inch dual-tone aerodynamic wheels, integrated turn indicators on the ORVMs, and protective black body cladding extending across both doors, adding to its rugged yet refined appeal.
Inside, the Kwid E-Tech is packed with modern amenities, including a large 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering seamless wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Drivers will appreciate the 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a height-adjustable steering wheel, and convenient Type-C charging ports, among other thoughtful additions.
Safety is a top priority for the Kwid E-Tech, which comes equipped with six airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), hill-start assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), ISOFIX child seat mounts, and a rear parking camera. Adding to its advanced safety suite are ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) features like Lane Keep Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, Driver Fatigue Detection, and Traffic Sign Recognition, enhancing both driver confidence and passenger protection.
Underpinning the Kwid E-Tech’s performance is a 26.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, coupled with an electric motor delivering up to 65 horsepower and 113 Nm of torque. Renault proudly states a commendable driving range of up to 250 kilometers on a single full charge. For convenient charging, the vehicle supports 30 kW DC fast charging, which can boost the battery from 15% to 80% in approximately 40 minutes. A standard 7 kW AC charger will fully replenish the battery in about three hours.
Currently, the Kwid E-Tech is offered in Brazil in a single ‘Techno’ variant, carrying a price tag of R$99,990, which converts to approximately Rs 16.5 lakh. While Renault has yet to make an official announcement regarding its launch in India, numerous test vehicles resembling the Kwid EV have been sighted on Indian roads, suggesting that an introduction to the market might be closer than we think.
Stay tuned for more updates from the dynamic world of automotive innovation!