The new budget-MPV from Renault will have plenty of Kwid-inspired design cues.
Renault India has been testing the Kwid-based MPV codenamed RBC for some time now. The MPV will be based on Renault’s low-cost CMF-A+ platform – a development of the CMF-A on which the Kwid hatchback is based. It will be larger than the Kwid and will have a longer wheelbase too, but overall length will still be under 4-metres to qualify for the tax benefits on smaller cars. Despite it being under 4-metres, the RBC will seat seven. The RBC is set to make its debut towards the end of this year and this speculative render shows what it will look like.
As the render suggests, the RBC will be heavily inspired by the design elements we have seen on the Kwid. The design of the Kwid was quite well received and we believe Renault will stick to it with the RBC. The RBC will feature a rugged grille with chunky wheel arches with additional plastic cladding along the side profile to give it a more beefed-up stance. As indicated by the spy-shots, we expect the headlights to be wider and sleeker than those on the Kwid. More plastic across the bumpers and accentuated fog lamp casings can also be expected.
The RBC will have an angular styling like the Kwid, possibly to increase headroom at the rear. Renault may also give an option of alloy wheels with the RBC, similar to those seen on the Kwid Climber. Dual-tone paint schemes are in vogue these days and to lure buyers, Renault is likely to offer that option with the RBC. The rendering also suggests strong rear haunches and a blackened C-pillar to make it look a little more premium. Overall we expect the design to be in-line with Renault’s global range of entry-level cars.
In our earlier report on the RBC, we had shown the interior spy pictures of the car which indicated a premium cabin and good-level of equipment. We expect the interiors to feel much more upmarket than the Kwid. The cabin of the RBC will be dual-tone and will feature silver inserts and chrome. Equipment is likely to be good enough with the top-spec versions coming with a touchscreen and possibly even a climate control system. There will be an increased focus on practicality as Renault will give ample storage spaces.
Safety is crucial with the new norms coming in. The RBC will be equipped with a speed-limit alert and parking sensors as standard. Higher versions are likely to feature side-airbags. The Kwid did not score well in crash tests and it is likely that Renault will tweak the body for enhanced crash protection.
Renault is likely to use a turbocharged version of the 1.0-litre engine found in the Kwid. A bigger 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol from the Nissan Micra is also likely to power the RBC. A diesel engine is unlikely. The engine/s will be paired with manual and AMT gearbox options.
The RBC will slot below the Lodgy in Renault’s India line-up. It is believed that Renault will price the car extremely competitively. We expect the price to be in the region of Rs. 5-6 lakhs undercutting the Maruti Ertiga by a significant margin. The RBC will likely be one of its kind and won’t have straight competition. However, with the price it will take on the likes of the Maruti Wagon R and Hyundai Santro.
Renault RBC
– The RBC will have a Kwid-inspired design
– Will have upmarket and well-equipped interiors
– To sport a competitive price-tag
