With the crossover boom showing no signs of slowing down, Renault is planning a new compact model based on the Kwid Concept. The automaker has already signaled its intentions to produce a crossover smaller unlike the Clio-based Captur with the Kwid Concept it displayed at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo. That vehicle was designed and engineered to show Renault’s commitment to developing markets. The concept measured in at just 3.6 meters long; however we are expecting the production model to grow to around 4 meters that’s still 150mm shorter unlike the Captur.
Renault Captur used the same name as the concept that previewed it, and the automaker is expected to stick with the Kwid name, although the styling will be noticeably toned down. The wide mouth grille and curvaceous body panels are all part of Renault’s latest design language, whereas the rugged underbody protection and black plastic cladding help create the muscular look, which shoppers in this segment are after. A certain amount of customization and the raised ride height like the contrasting roof colors – should also appeal.
Beneath the hood it will perhaps receive very efficient and small engines, including a Twingo-sourced three-cylinder TCe turbocharged with 66 kW (90 PS) and 100 pound feet (135 Nm) and a naturally-aspirated version of the same engine known as SCe with 51 kW (70 PS) and 67 pound feet (91 Nm).
Still, the overall idea is by no means unfathomable. Deemed too small for developed markets, A-segment crossovers are popping up left and right in Asia and South America. Volkswagen has a similar design in its pipeline. Known as Taigun, it’s also been previewed by a concept and is based on the Up! city car.
