Renault
Kwid Concept
Renault
Kwid Concept, a concept car unveiled at the 2014 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.
The
Renault 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 Renault 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.
Beyond
the playful and imaginative styling of the Renault 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.
The
Renault 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.