Renault KWID Concept – buggy like mini SUV with Flying Companion

Renault has unveiled its first concept car outside of Europe, by displaying the KWID Concept at the Delhi Auto Show. Designed with inputs from Renault Design India, the mini SUV is aimed at the needs of young customers in emerging markets like India and Indonesia.

According to Renault’s press release, the vehicle’s short overhangs give the impression of “a bouncing vehicle”, while its oversized wheels that protrude past the guards make the five-seater KWID Concept look like a buggy car.

Inside, the concept is designed to serve as a snug cocoon and is inspired by a bird’s nest adapted to warm weather conditions. It features an usual seating arrangement where three passengers are seated up front, with the driver seat in the middle in a slightly forward position. The seats are suspended over a solid base in white to give an impression of lightness, while their two-tone elastomer material provides a sense of brightness. Rear aircon controls are situated on the driver’s seat’s back and ventilation is through concentric perforations. The vehicle’s dashboard is an integrated tablet.

For the first time in the automotive world, the KWID Concept features a Flying Companion that can be used for a variety of purposes, including scouting for traffic, detecting obstacles on the road ahead and taking landscape pictures. It takes off from the rotating rear portion of the concept’s roof, and can be operated in two modes. In automatic mode, it will fly using a pre-programmed flying sequence with assistance from the GPS. In automatic mode, the companion can be controlled using a tablet inside the vehicle.

Despite its tough SUV look, the car is actually driven by its front wheels through a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to a dual-clutch transmission. It is also designed to be Zero Emission ready with its predisposition to receiving batteries and is equipped with a charging plug behind the Renault logo.

“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.”