The new Renault KWID based MPV is going to stand as a direct competition for the next-generation Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. Launch likely next year.
Maruti Suzuki is all set to launch the next-generation Ertiga MPV in India during the festive season this year.
But, Maruti is not the only automobile manufacturer in India which is planning to launch an affordable MPV in India.
Renault, the French automaker which has so far limited itself to hatchbacks, sedans and SUVs, is also planning to take a slice of the pie from the budget people carrier segment in India, currently dominated by the Maruti Ertiga.
This new MPV from Renault is based on the same platform as that of its entry-level hatchback KWID. The company is using an elongated version of the hatchback’s CMF-A underpinnings.
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So far being referred to as the Renault KWID based MPV, this new 7-seater could very well measure under the sacred ‘4-meters’ to attract maximum tax benefits. This will help the automaker to keep the prices of the final production model competitive.
What has led to the speculations of this Renault KWID based MPV measuring under 4-meters?
Well, going by the spy shots, the test mule seen in the images, seems to possess small overhangs. Furthermore, Renault’s sister company Nissan, with whom the company is in partnership with, already has an under 4-meter platform. This currently underpins the Datsun Go Plus.
Renault could use the same platform, which is essentially the CMF-A+ for its KWID based MPV in India.
However, as we have seen in the recent past, there hasn’t been much demand for compact MPV in the Indian market. Buyers are now looking for premium features and are not ready to compromise on basic kit. This is the main reason why Maruti Suzuki decided not to launch a 7-seater variant of the Wagon R in India anytime soon.
Also Read:ย Renault KWID 2018 With More Features And Safety Kit Launched In India
Keeping this in mind, the new Renault KWID based MPV might turn out to be a competitor for the next-generation Ertiga. All of this remains to be seen.
Until then, let us give you some interesting details about this new Renault MPV for India.
As mentioned before, this budget people carrier is going to use the same platform as that of the KWID. Hence, its engine specifications might be identical to the hatchback as well. Currently, the KWID gets a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine at its disposal, along with a 0.8-litre motor as well.
The latter is the one which is likely to make it to the MPV if the said product stays under the 4-meter mark. However, it Renault decides to go beyond that, then it would have to use a more powerful unit, likely 1.5-litre unit from the Duster.
Will this MPV have enough features?
Yes, most likely!
Renault has already set a benchmark in the entry-level segment in India with the KWID. It is the only vehicle in its segment to offer a touchscreen infotainment system along with GPS navigation and reverse parking camera with rear sensors.
We can all of these features and then some more in Renault’s new MPV for India.
Not only this, but this new vehicle will also have some pretty impressive safety kit as well.
It will get dual-front airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System along with Electronic Brake Force Distribution. Other than this, this MPV is going to feature ISOFIX child seat mounts along with rear parking sensors as standard.
Spy image: Source
