Renault to launch Kwid 1.0-litre ahead of AMT variant

Unofficial reports confirmed that Renault would launch the Kwid 1.0-litre first in India before the automatic-manual (AMT) variant. The company was pushing for the launch of the AMT variant in the festive season this year.

The firm had started accepting bookings for the former model, which is expected to hit the market by the end of this month. The prices had not been confirmed yet but it was rumoured to be between Rs3.50 lakh-Rs4 lakh.

At the time of the announcement of the launch of Kwid and AMT, it was accepted that both products would be offered at the same time, but the automaker has some other plans.

According to commentators, it was not surprising that companies preferred to launch their model in the festive season. Some of the other significant launches  within the next four-week would include the Renault Kwid 1.0, Audi A4 TFSI, the Hyundai Elantra and finally Jeep brand, which would be offered in the Indian market.

Currently Kwid 0.8-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine was available in the market and the only complaint from the old model was the fuel consumption was underpowered.

In response to consumer grievances, Renault had announced the launch of Kwid with a 1.0-liter engine.

Dealerships are reportedly accepting a sum of Rs10,000 as a token amount for booking the more powerful Kwid. The waiting period is said to be 3 months.

The fully loaded Kwid 1.0-litre is expected to cost around the Rs5 lakh mark as the highest RXT Opt trim of the 800cc car sets cost a total of Rs4.5 lakh, on-road.

Renault India CEO and managing director, Sumit Sawhney had confirmed the launch of the 1.0 litre Kwid in August. He had also confirmed that an AMT version of the car would follow soon.