Renault Kwid Sales Drop To An All-Time Low In July 2019, Hinting At Mild Makeover In The Works

The Renault Kwid has been a successful product for the automaker in the Indian market. Launched in 2015, Kwid registered a sales hike of 160% in that very year for the manufacturer. With its SUV-like looks, frugal engine options coupled with the option of AMT, the Kwid kept registering decent sales figures until now. Recently, with the industry in a slump altogether, sales have declined to an all-time low, with just 2684 units sold in July 2019. The decline in sales is noticeable, as a comparison, Renault sold 5015 units of the Kwid in July 2018, translating to a whopping 48% fall in sales. Even sales figures for the month of June 2019 were a steady and appreciable 4360 units. This massive sales decline indicates a rapid cut in production of the current Kwid, and hinting at the likeliness of a new mid-life makeover in the works.

Upcoming Renault Kwid's design will be inspired from the Renault K-ZE EV concept.

The upcoming Kwid facelift has been spotted on test several times on our roads and a lot has already been revealed by the prototype’s uncanny resemblance to Renault’s K-ZE EV concept, which made its debut at the 2019 Shanghai Autoshow.

On the styling front, the Kwid will features the same approach we've seen in recent wave of models like the MG Hector and Tata Harrier, with a pair of sleek DRLs located above the headlight housings. The refreshed styling of the Kwid will replace a significant chunk of the front fascia, taking design cues from the K-ZE EV concept. With the use of chrome inserts in and around the grille and the front bumper, the new Kwid will also inherit a rather premium touch. The bumpers and fenders will sport a dual-tone design treatment with the use of protective black plastic cladding all around to the give it a more SUV-ish design treatment. At the rear, it’ll retain its subtle lines, with a mildly revised rear bumper and tail lamp pattern. On the sides, the only visible changes we see as of now are redesigned wheel covers.

Renault Kwid facelift spotted on test with revised front-end and headlamp placement.

With an already impressive dashboard design, the changes on the interior are expected to be minimal, if any, to help refresh the overall ambience of the cabin. To adhere to the new AIS-145 regulations, the car will also get added safety equipments on the list like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, seat belt reminder, speed warning alerts and rear parking sensors as standard.  To further improve the safety and crash test rating of the car, the new Kwid will be based on a new platform with improved structural rigidity. With a reinforced and sturdier chassis, the car will be ready to score better crash test ratings for the NCAP tests it will have to be put through.

It is likely to retain the current engine options, which are a 0.8-litre and 1.0-;itre 3-cylinder petrol units coupled to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a  3-speed AMT as an option. However, to also comply with the upcoming BS6 emission norms, these engines will be updated before the April 2020 deadline.

Also Read - 2020 Renault Kwid Facelift Spied On Video.