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    2024 Renault Kwid EV Revealed With New Front, Rear, Interiors – India Bound?

    2024 Renault Kwid EV – Dacia Spring in EuropeThe exterior and interior updates with new Dacia Spring will make their way on new Renault Kwid EV as well (marketed as City K-ZE)The electric car segment is seeing a rather slower adoption when compared to electric 2W vehicles. This tasks manufacturers to thoroughly investigate the market before making any significant investments. But should Renault bring in the newly updated Dacia Spring as Kwid EV in India?2024 Renault Kwid EV RevealedRenault India is currently a three-vehicle chariot run by Kiger, Triber and Kwid. Renault has seen its glory days when it used to offer Duster. And the company is keen on rejuvenating its portfolio in India along with alliance partner Nissan. But is a small affordable Renault Kwid EV on the cards? We have seen Kiger EV under testing in India already.2024 Renault Kwid EVWe hope it is because the recently updated Dacia Spring EV is a very tempting proposition. Dacia Spring is a badge-engineered Renault City K-ZE (electric version of Kwid sold in India) and is Dacia’s first-ever electric offering. Depending on the market, Dacia has also sold a Cargo version of it called Dacia Spring Cargo.For 2024, Dacia Spring has been thoroughly redesigned with a more sophisticated overall appeal. Definitely more premium than before. For starters, this is not just a facelift. Instead, Dacia has done major revisions to sheet metal too, while overall car is close to its predecessor underneath.New Renault Kwid EV (Dacia Spring) – RearWe can see a new face with new Dacia logo. Sticking to Dacia family DNA, Spring gets similar styling elements as the new Duster. Interesting LED DRL elements flank the new Dacia logo, round projector headlights are housed below, in its bumpers. Bonnet creases and flared wheel arches lend some muscle to this dinky little car.2024 Renault Kwid EVMajor interior upgradeThere is an interesting white grill element around car’s number plate and the charging socket is on the front behind Dacia logo. Rear gets a black plaque with bold DACIA lettering connecting car’s Y-shaped LED tail lights. Same white grill element is present in the rear too. Rear portion looks fuller now as opposed to its predecessor.On the inside, there is an all-new dashboard following a similar design DNA as new Duster. Gone is Kwid’s boring dashboard and in comes a rather appealing and up-market unit with a free-standing 10.1-inch touchscreen touchscreen infotainment taking centre stage. There are Duster-inspired centre AC vents and a brand new auto climate control panel.New Renault Kwid EV (Dacia Spring) – InteriorsContrasting colours, new textures and elements lend an up-market appeal when compared to current Dacia Spring, Renault City K-ZE or Kwid ICE. ADAS features and driver monitoring are in the house owing to European requirements. Powertrain options include a sole 26.8 kWh battery promising a claimed range of more than 220 km on a single charge.Despite being an EV, new Dacia Spring (new Renault Kwid EV) weighs under a tonne. 984 kg to be precise. There are two motor options – a 45 bhp and a 65 bhp unit driving front wheels. Only the latter is capable of 30 kW DC fast charging while former has to make do with 11 kW AC charging. More

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    Renault’s Roaring Roadmap: 6-9 Launches with an Electric Car

    Renault Kwid EVShaping the Future: Renault’s Ambitious 6-9 Vehicle Launch Strategy. Big Focus on Small Electric CarFor a long time, Renault has been in a defensive position in Indian automotive market. If we take a look at July 2023 car sales, Renault sold 3,607 units with its portfolio of three vehicles. Said three vehicles are Kwid, Kiger and Triber. Renault’s sales halved YoY and decreased by 33.82% MoM in July 2023.The company is working on introducing EVs to its portfolio. A recent publication mentions a senior Renault executive indicating a potential launch of a small EV in 2024/2025. If we take a look at global markets, a rebadged Dacia Spring with Renault branding fits the bill perfectly.Renault’s Electrification Charge: Dacia Spring version for IndiaSimilar to Dacia Duster, we might see Dacia Spring in India with Renault branding. Considering that Kwid already has a brand recall in India, Kwid EV name makes a lot of sense. Dacia Spring gets Kwid’s underpinnings. It packs a 26.8 kWh Li-ion battery and promises a WLTP certified range of 225 km from a single charge.There is just one electric motor in the vehicle delivering 45 bhp of power and 125 Nm of torque. When launched in India, it will go head-to-head with MG Comet and Tata Tiago EV. As of now, MG Comet is the most affordable electric car in India and it packs a 17.3 kWh battery promising 230 km of range from a single charge. Launch might be scheduled in 2024. Pricing would play a grand role in Renault India’s EV step-up.How CMF-A Platform Powers Renault’s Electric VisionWe have covered test mules of Kiger EV before. There’s the Rs. 5300 Crore investment between Renault India and Nissan Motor that will aid in bringing in new cars. Renault’s MD Venkatram Mamillapalle said the company intends to launch between 6-9 new vehicles in India within the next few years. Likely between 2024 and 2026.This plan includes mid-life updates to current models in 2024 and new B-segment SUVs owing to their immense popularity. New variations of existing vehicles could imply Nissan’s Triber counterpart as one such derivative. Alongside, EVs are of significance.Said EVs will get CMF-A platform. As with Renault’s approach, localisation is a key focus area. And to start with the company aims for 55-60% localisation in the beginning.Source More

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    Renault Kiger Electric SUV Spied – Upcoming Tata Punch EV Rival

    Renault Kiger electric SUV is likely to make debut in 2023Renault Kiger Electric SUV SpiedRenault India has not had a great year, where 2022 is concerned. Their annual sales were down by more than 9% to a little over 87k units. 2022 also saw Renault discontinue one of their iconic cars to be ever on sale in India, the Duster SUV. But that was 2022. It is now 2023, and it seems like Renault India is getting ready to have a great year ahead.At the 2020 Auto Expo, Renault India had showcased Kwid electric and had announced plans to launch the same within 2 years. It is 2023 now, and we have not seen the Kwid EV till now. That is likely because, instead of Kwid EV, Renault is getting ready to give us Kiger EV. The first spy shots of the Kiger Electric SUV are now out.Renault Kiger Electric SUV SpiedYes. Kiger EV. Most of us were expecting Renault to launch Kwid EV, as a version of the same, has been launched in many countries already. But with the Kiger electric spy shots now emerging on the internet, it seems like more or less certain which will be Renault’s first electric car in India.Kiger EV spy shots are credit to Talking Cars channel. Seen in a shade of blue, similar to the one which is already on offer with Kiger petrol, Kiger Electric is identical in design to its ICE counterpart. Charging socket is placed under the front logo.Renault Kiger Electric SUV SpiedRenault Kiger Electric interiors too have been spied. Layout is similar to the Kiger petrol, except for the missing gear lever. Instead Kiger EV gets buttons and a rotating knob for selecting drive mode.  Hand brake lever can also be seen. Door panels, steering wheel, seat fabric all are similar to petrol Kiger.Expected Specs, RangeRenault Kiger EV could get a similar battery and electric motor that is on offer with Kwid EV in China. It gets a 26.8 kWh battery pack which will power the motor to deliver 44 hp and 125 Nm torque. Claimed range could be about 300 kms. Considering Kiger is a bit bigger in size, it could accommodate a larger battery pack than the Kwid EV. This will help in delivering a higher range, of maybe 350 kms.Currently, Renault has Kwid, Kiger and Triber on sale. All powered by petrol engine option. Considering these three cars are built on the same platform, it is likely that Renault could launch a Kwid EV or Triber EV in the future. Kiger’s cousin, Magnite is also likely to benefit and we could see Nissan Magnite electric launch later this year.Renault Kiger Electric SUV SpiedWith the launch of their first electric car, 2023 seems to be the year Renault India could be looking forward to. Renault Kiger EV will take on the likes of upcoming Tata Punch EV and Citroen eC3. Renault could price the Kiger EV in the Rs 10-15 lakh range. More details will be revealed in the coming months.Source More

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    New Renault Small Electric Car Off-Road Concept Debuts

    Renault 4 EV’s doors get flush handles, windows are frameless and ORVMs are replaced with camerasNew Renault Small Electric Car2022 Paris Motor Show is jam-packed with new vehicles. Yesterday, we covered Jeep Avenger from the same event. Renault seems to have finally resurrected one of its OG models for 2022. We’re talking about the Renault 4 which is brought back in an EV form in 2022 known as 4Ever Trophy Concept.We say Renault 4 is an OG for the company, because it is the world’s first mass-produced hatchback. It is Renault’s first FWD family car as well. In its 30+ years long run, Renault 4 sold over 8 million units. Renault 4 was the successor of 4CV and after its production ceased, was succeeded by the Twingo hatchback.Even in terms of motorsports, the French company 4 has carved out a piece for itself. It participated in the Cross Elf Cup of France, Routes du Monde, Coupe De France Renault Cross Elf and more. Renault 4 Sinpar participated in the Paris-Dakar Rally and many other events and programs.New Renault Small Electric Car ConceptKeeping the OG Renault 4 aside, 4Ever Trophy Concept is a compact crossover in its DNA. The production-spec model of this vehicle will be closely related to the production-spec model of Renault 5 EV. The latter is set to go into production by 2025. Both of these are based on the CMF-B EV platform. This platform is believed to share half of its components with the existing CMF-B platform.New Renault Small Electric CarWhile Renault 5 is a subtle 2-door hatchback concept, Renault 4Ever Trophy Concept is anything but subtle. It gets a ton of crossover elements to make it stand out, especially when compared to Renault 5. For starters, Renault 4 EV gets 4 doors and is a visually larger product than Renault 5.New Renault Small Electric Car4Ever Trophy gets longer travel suspension which increases the ground clearance quite a bit when compared to Renault 5. Body claddings are chunky and lend it a very muscular stance. Body claddings get pink elements into them and look quite snazzy as well.When viewed from the side, the doors seem to be above its chunky body cladding, taking the sill height quite extreme. This is highly unlikely to make it to production. Boy-o-boy, it looks beefy. Doors get flush handles, windows are frameless and ORVMs are replaced with cameras. There is a rear quarter glass that should enhance visibility.New Renault Small Electric CarDesignFrom the front, we can see an illuminated Renault logo. It is flanked by stacked cube-design LED elements surrounded by LED brackets that double up as DRLs. Closer to the illuminated LED logo, we have 4 LED square elements that are likely to be styling elements. To enhance visual appeal, Renault 4 EV also gets a roof rack mounted spare wheel.Wheels lend a futuristic appeal with what looks like suspension components or dampers of some sort. Production-spec model won’t retain this as it would increase unsprung mass affecting performance. Powertrain details are not revealed. Production is likely to commence in 2024 with deliveries slated for 2025. More

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    2023 Renault Kwid Electric Spied – Upcoming Tata Punch EV Rival

    Renault is developing a battery-powered version of Kwid for many international markets2023 Renault Kwid Electric SpiedLike many other automakers, Renault is planning on venturing into the electric mobility space in many international markets. The company’s new electric car Kwid E-Tech has been touted to cater to the entry-level EV segment in several markets. This model is already on sale in China where it is known as City K-ZE.A test mule of this EV was recently spotted on the streets of Brazil ahead of its official launch in South America. A concept of the fully electric Kwid also made an appearance at the last edition of Auto Expo in 2020. As seen in the recent spy shots, Kwid E-Tech is very similar to its IC engine counterpart with its design based on the facelifted Kwid.2023 Renault Kwid Electric SpiedBarring the closed-off front grille, Kwid E-Tech is more or less similar to the gasoline version of this hatchback. Also, there is no exhaust in the battery-powered vehicle. In fact, the test unit seen in these spy shots resembles the China-spec City K-ZE very closely. Side and rear profiles of the car are exactly identical to the regular Kwid.While there are no confirmed technical details on the Brazilian-spec Kwid EV, reports suggest that it will be equipped with a more powerful electric powertrain than the one offered in Dacia Spring offered in Europe. The latter is also a Kwid-based EV. The European electric hatch is powered by a 26.8 kWh battery pack which returns an output of 44 bhp and 125 Nm of peak torque.2023 Renault Kwid Electric SpiedIt claims a range of 295km on a single charge as per the WLTP cycle. In China, K-ZE is offered with the same battery pack and offers a range of 271km (NEDC cycle).A relatively small battery size aided by a low kerb weight of 970 kg allows the battery unit to be charged at a quick rate. Using a standard 7.4kW wall box AC charger, it takes four hours for the battery to get rejuvenated fully.On the heels of the 2020 Auto Expo, Renault announced that it will be launching Kwid EV in India in the next two years. But that has not happened yet. If the Kwid electric is launched in India, it will rival the likes of upcoming electric cars – Tata Punch EV, Maruti EV, etc.Existing Kwid in IndiaCurrently, Kwid in India is available in four trims namely RXL, RXL (O), RXT and Climber which are priced between Rs Rs 4.49 lakh to Rs 5.83 lakh (ex-showroom). It is offered in two naturally aspirated petrol engine options- a 0.8-litre unit and a 1.0-litre unit. The former produces 53 bhp and 72 Nm of peak torque whereas the latter kicks out 67 bhp and 91 Nm of peak torque.Source More

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    Renault Kwid Electric Crash Tested – Scores 1 Star Safety In Euro NCAP

    Renault Kwid Electric Crash TestIn October last year, Renault Kwid electric car made its global debut in Europe – As the Dacia Spring EV
    Renault launched their most affordable electric small car under the brand name of their subsidiary Dacia in Europe. Called Dacia Spring, it is available in two trims of Comfort and Comfort Plus. The base Comfort trim costs €10,920 (Rs 9.3 lakh). Top variant is priced at €12,220 (Rs 10.42 lakh) in Germany. These prices are inclusive of govt grant of about €9,500 (Rs 8.16 lakh).
    The Dacia Spring electric is basically the European version of China’s Renault City K-ZE and an electric version of India’s Renault Kwid. It is among the most affordable electric vehicle sold in Europe. Until now, safety rating was not available.
    Renault Kwid Electric Crash Test By Euro NCAP
    Euro NCAP has crash tested the Renault Kwid electric car, and given it a 1 star safety rating. The model that was tested weighed 970 kgs, and came with dual front airbags. It also got side head airbag and side chest airbag – for both the driver as well as front passenger.
    In their comments for adult safety, Euro NCAP stated, “The passenger compartment of the Spring remained stable in the frontal offset test. Readings of several parameters in the dummies’ legs were high, indicating poor protection, and structures in the dashboard presented a risk of injury to occupants of different sizes and to those sitting in different positions.
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    Protection of the driver dummy’s chest was also rated as poor, based on readings of chest compression during the test. The pelvis of the driver was also poorly protected with dummy readings exceeding recommended values. Analysis of the deceleration of the impact trolley during the test, and of the deformation of the barrier afterwards, revealed that the Spring would be a benign crash partner to other vehicles.
    In the full width rigid barrier test, the head of the rear passenger was penalised for the extent to which it moved forward, and protection was rated as poor. Chest protection of both occupants was rated as marginal, based on measurements of compression. In both the side barrier test and the more severe side pole impact, rib compression indicated marginal levels of chest protection, but that of other critical body areas was good.
    The Spring is not equipped with a centre airbag to protect against occupant to occupant injuries in side impacts. Tests on the front seats and head restraints demonstrated good protection against whiplash injures in the event of a rear-end collision.
    Renault Kwid Electric Crash Test
    However, a geometric assessment of the rear seats indicated poor whiplash protection. The Spring has an advanced eCall system which partially fulfilled Euro NCAP’s requirements, and the car has no multi-collision braking system to prevent secondary impacts. The score was penalised for the high forces needed to open the door post-impact.”
    Renault Kwid Electric / Dacia Spring – Specs
    It sports a grey body colour with fluorescent orange accents and gets high ground clearance, faux skid plates and an aggressive bumper design. All LED lights are seen at the front while there is a horizontal strip positioned on the upper section with 4 graphic features built into the bumper. The rear sports 4 full LED lights with double Y effect.
    Dacia states that this Spring Electric will be ideally suited for semi urban, urban use and is directed to both fleet and private buyers. It is positioned under the Dacia Sandero. It measures 3.37meters in length, 1.57m wide, 1.48m tall, and has a 2.4m wheelbase. Ground clearance is at 151mm.
    Both variants are powered by the same battery and motor which delivers 45 Hp and 125 Nm. It has a claimed range of 305 kms in city and 230 kms combined as per WLTP cycle. It does a 0-100 kmph in 19.1 seconds and as a top speed of 125 kmph. Charging via an AC charger is achieved in 4 hours while via a DC fast charger the EV can be charged from 30 to 80 percent in 30 minutes. More

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    Renault Kiger LED DRLs Teased – New Electric Car Prototype Unveiled

    2021 Renault Kiger SUV – Teaser
    Along with teasing the upcoming Kiger small SUV in production spec form, Renault has also revealed their new electric car prototype

    With global debut set for 28th Jan 2021, the new Renault Kiger has now been officially teased in production ready form. From the teaser image, it is clear that the production ready Kiger carries the LED DRL and projector headlamps from the concept which was revealed back in November.
    Kiger Debut
    With compact and subcompact SUVs being highly popular in the Indian markets, automakers are heralding in various models in this segment. Kiger will be based on the same platform as the Magnite, which has met huge sales success in India.
    The Renault Kiger and the Nissan Magnite will be produced at the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s production base in Oragadam, Tamil Nadu. The Kiger will enter the sub 4 meter segment wherein it will take on the Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, etc in terms of competition.
    Renault 5 Electric Car
    Renault has unveiled its upcoming retro-styled electric car called ‘5’. Renault 5 Prototype Electric Car gives a look into the future small EV from Renault, which is set to go on sale by the middle of this decade. The car takes its design and styling cues from the R5 hatchback which was in production from 1972 to 1996. It is among the fourteen new models which are expected to hit showrooms by 2025.
    Renault 5 Prototype carries numerous references to the original model including the R5 Turbo versions and cult classic Supercinq albeit in a modern touch
    Seven of these fourteen models are going to be fully electric vehicles. The new concept blends with its namesake’s boxy proportions with a modern and contemporary design which includes high-tech displays, LED lighting signatures and sculpted side surfaces expected out of a modern car.
    Exterior Design Highlights
    Upfront, the B-segment concept car features LED headlight clusters flanked by the French brand’s diamond-shaped emblem with no radiator grille. It gets a clean front bumper which features thin square-shaped LED DRLs and ‘RENAULT’ in bold lettering.
    The bonnet air intake is neatly hidden with a charging hatch on the company’s logo on the front nose. The small impression of the French flag on its rearview mirrors shows its nationalistic pride.
    Renault 5 Prototype Electric Car
    At rear, the LED taillights feature aero flaps with an illuminated reflector strip running around the roof lining to the A-pillars which seem to pay tribute to Renault 5 models of the 1980s. Side profile’s centre of attraction are the large alloy wheels wrapped in Continental tyres.
    Overall, the concept’s design looks very clean and simple yet feels a modernised version of the original R5 with references such as boxy wheel arches, flat sides and a tilted C-pillar. There is also a nod to the original ‘5’ with impressions on its wheels, rear logo and side grid.
    Renault 5 Prototype Electric Car
    Other Details
    Details are very sparse at the moment with the automaker yet to reveal its expected specifications or even its interior images. All we know is that it will be based on a modular EV architecture that has been developed by Renault and its alliance partners Nissan and Mitsubishi. Dubbed as CMF-EV, this platform will underpin most small and medium-sized cars from the alliance brands, for instance, the upcoming Nissan Ariya crossover.
    While no definite timeline has been set for its production to commence, new Renault 5 Concept could replace the highly successful Zoe EV as the brand’s compact electric hatchback. The carmaker has also announced that its performance range of cars which will carry the nametag of Alpine, will be an all-electric range of cars and the 5 Prototype could very well be part of this lineup. More

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    Renault ZOE Electric Car Spied In India – Best Selling eCar In Europe

    Old Gen Renault Zoe Electric Car spied in India. Credit – Naveed
    Renault Zoe sales in Europe have scaled over 84,000 units since January 2020, double the count as seen between January to November 2019

    The Renault Zoe electric car has emerged as the company’s bestselling EV model in Europe since the start of this year. Sales have doubled to over 84,000 units in the Jan-Nov 2020 period as compared to sales in the same period of the previous year.
    Third gen Zoe EV
    The third generation Zoe, launched in 2019, is the leading electric car sold across France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal. To date around 2,68,000 units of the Zoe electric vehicle have been sold.
    While the need for zero emission vehicles is on the rise, particularly so in global markets, the more urgent need for safe private vehicles in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with substantial government subsidy on EVs seems to be the cause for this outstanding sales.
    The main markets for Renault Zoe are France and Germany which has seen sales of 33,000 units and 25,000 units respectively in this year. This electric car offer a range upto 390 kms on a single charge and receives two output versions of 110 hp and 135 hp. The Renault Zoe can be charged upto 80 percent via a DC fast charger in 1hour and 10 minutes and via a 7.4 kWh wall charger in 9.5 hours.
    New gen Renault Zoe Electric Car
    Speaking about the new Renault Zoe, its exteriors has been sighted with a curved roof line, roof mounted spoiler, LED head and tail lamps and LED DRLs along with electronically adjustable ORVMs, blacked out B Pillars and sporty alloy wheels. Distinct ZOE lettering was seen on its tailgate.
    The 5 seater cabin is done up in a two tone colour scheme and will receive features such as a heated steering wheel, automatic climate control and wireless charging. It will sport a digital instrument cluster and a 9.2 inch touchscreen infotainment system with connectivity features and safety via a host of airbags, rear parking camera, blind spot sensors and ABS and EBD.
    Renault Zoe EV Launch in India
    Renault had showcased the battery powered Zoe hatchback at the 2020 Auto Expo earlier this year. More recently a test mule of the old gen Zoe EV has also been spotted on test with a red licence plate. Despite of the car being showcased in India, and spotted testing on Indian roads, chances of it getting launched here are very low.
    Kwid Electric
    Instead of the Zoe, what India will get from Renault in the form of an EV, is the Kwid electric car – which made its debut earlier this year. Compared to Zoe, it will be a lot more affordable. Once launched, Kwid EV will compete with the likes of upcoming EVs – Maruti WagonR EV, Tata HBX EV, Hyundai AX1 EV, Citroen EV, etc.
    Currently the Renault lineup in India consists of the Kwid hatchback, Triber MPV and Duster SUV. The company recently discontinued the Captur and while it has electric vehicles such as the Twizy, Kangoo and Master besides the Zoe in global markets, it has no electric offering in the country as on date. More