* Fun, yet robust
design and hyper connectivity aimed at meeting the needs of young customers
in new markets as closely as possible * Designed by an international team for
international markets, including inputs from Renault Design India * Features a Flying Companion, a first in the automotive world for an enjoyable
and safe driving experience
* First Renault
concept car to be unveiled outside Europe, showcasing the company’s
commitment to new markets
KWID CONCEPT, a
concept car unveiled at the Delhi Auto
Show, highlights both Renault’s commitment to new markets, such as India,
as well as the company’s ability to produce appealing products in the compact
car segment. The vehicle’s robust, yet fun design, along with its
technology-driven features, is targeted at meeting the needs of young customers
in these markets.
A robust yet joyful
vehicle
The KWID CONCEPT was designed with inputs from Renault
Design India and is covered by the ‘Explore’ petal of Renault’s lifecycle-based
design strategy. The vehicle’s exciting proportions and dimensions as well as
very short overhangs give the impression of a bouncing vehicle, while its
oversized wheels protrude past the fenders and make the KWID CONCEPT look like
a buggy car.
The playfulness of the vehicle’s exterior design is offset
by a robust appearance due to its protective guards and chunky wings, which
exude an impression of strength. The vehicle comes with a two-wheel drive
transmission, but projects the facade of an off-road car.
The interior of
the KWID CONCEPT is designed to serve as a snug cocoon and is inspired by a
bird’s nest. The vehicle’s seats, suspended over a solid base in white, give an
impression of lightness, while their 2-tone elastomer material provides a sense
of brightness. The KWID CONCEPT also features rear air conditioning with
controls on the driver seat’s back as well as ventilation through concentric
perforations. The dashboard is an integrated tablet for commanding the
navigation of the Flying Companion.
A high-tech
Concept-Car
Beyond the playful and imaginative styling of the KWID
CONCEPT, the concept car also comes equipped with a host of technology-driven
features, led by its Flying Companion. Aimed at offering a safe as well as fun
driving experience, the Flying Companion is the first of its kind in the
automotive world. Taking off from the rotating rear portion of the KWID
CONCEPT’s roof, the Flying Companion can be operated in one of two modes – the
automatic mode using a pre-programmed flying sequence and GPS location as well
as the manual mode, which enables the companion to be controlled using a tablet
inside the vehicle. The Flying Companion can be used for a variety of purposes,
including scouting traffic, taking landscape pictures and detecting obstacles
on the road ahead.
“Customers in new markets are much younger. Their
expectations are different and customers are basically gamers. They tend to
take a closer interest in technology and want to enjoy themselves. This concept
car meets those needs in a variety of ways, but mainly thanks to the Flying
Companion which makes driving both safe and fun. This is the very first time in
the long automotive history we can drive on earth with an eye in the sky. It’s
an amazing feature!”Serge Mouangue,
Brand Manager and Innovative Cooperative Laboratory Manager.
The KWID CONCEPT is
also Z.E ready - being pre-disposed to receive batteries for electric use -
and comes with a charging plug behind the Renault logo. The KWID CONCEPT is
powered by the latest-generation downsized 1.2-litre petrol turbocharged engine
mated to dual-clutch transmission EDC to combine driving enjoyment with low
fuel consumption. Other technology-rich features include electric operated
front bench seat on a center rail, electric opening doors, LED lighting, lack
of gearshift (command with touches next to the steering). The
vertically-mounted TFT touchscreen display acts as the dashboard in the KWID
CONCEPT and also provides access to connected services.
Designed by an
international team for international markets
A multinational concept car, the KWID CONCEPT is the first
of its kind in Renault to target new markets Renault Designers around the world
cooperated to conceive a vehicle made for local markets and designed to meet
the latters’ needs. The interior of the vehicle was designed by François
Grenier (Technocentre Design, France) based on original drawings by Mishu Batra
(Renault Design India) and the exterior by Anton Shamenkov (of Russian origins,
Technocentre Design, France) based on original drawings by Jean Semeriva
(Studio Design Brazil). The colors and materials of the vehicle were worked
upon by Neha Lad (Indian trainee, Technocentre Design) and developed by Chie
Yanagisawa (Japanese designer, Technocentre Design). Axel Breun (Technocentre
Design) was the overall Project Manager.
“Renault Design is a highly international team with studios
in France, Romania, Brazil, Korea and India. This concept car is a reflection
of the distinctly international flavour of our design network.” Laurens van den Acker, Head of Industrial
Design.
Reitaring commitment
to India
The first Renault concept car to be unveiled outside Europe,
the KWID CONCEPT also emphasizes India’s significant place in Renault’s global
strategy as well as the company’s ability to offer appealing products in the
compact car segment.
“This is the first time we have chosen to reveal a concept
car outside Europe and this is an eloquent sign of our commitment to India.
Young customers in India are often trend setters, looking forward to pushing
the envelope when it comes to technology and enjoyable drives. The KWID
CONCEPT, with its Flying Companion, meets this forward-looking spirit with both
its dynamic styling and hyper connectivity.”Gilles Normand, Chairman of
Asia-Pacific Region, Renault S.A.S.
The KWID CONCEPT is also tailored specifically to meet the
needs of Indian drivers. The vehicle is a compact five-seater to enable family
trips, a common occurrence in India. The multimedia dashboard, along with the
Flying Companion, answers the young and modern Indian need to stay connected,
with a strong attempt for technology. The vehicle’s lightweight interior design
is also adapted to warm weather conditions.
The KWID CONCEPT ‘s two-tone body coloring consists of satin
grey for the body and textured grey for functional parts as well as golden
yellow for contrasting roof and air intake. The vehicle also sports yellow
inserts on wheels, lower doors and perforated parts. While this color scheme
features the corporate colors of the Renault Group, the tones also evoke
associations with India: the grey represents the soil, while the yellow and
gold symbolize flowers and spices. Additionally, the KWID CONCEPT features an
unusual seat arrangement, with three passengers up front and the driver seat in
the middle, in a slightly forward position to offer shoulder room, as well as
two seats at the back. The central driving position afforded by this
arrangement meets international driving demands, enabling the car to driven in
both right hand and left hand drive markets.
“Renault has seen unparalleled growth in India in just under
3 years and the market is set to continue playing a significant role in the
company’s global strategy in the years to come.” said Sumit Sawhney, Managing Director, Renault India Pvt. Ltd.“The
reveal of the KWID CONCEPT in India – the first such unveil outside Europe, as
well as its design keeping in mind the young customers in India illustrate our
strong commitment to the country.”
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