Renault will launch multiple products in the Indian market in 2018 in an attempt to increase their sales.
Renault is planning to drop into the Indian automobile market three new cars for 2019. The products expected are the 2019 Kwid facelift, 2019 Duster and a newly-developed MPV under the alias of RBC. The company had announced its plans in August to launch a new model in India every year as per its efforts to develop its product portfolio in the country.
Renault also insisted that their domestic market in India would be the prime focus area. Plans to increase exports in the near future are currently not on the table. Renault is hoping to launching the RBC MPV first, followed by the next generation Duster. The 2019 Kwid facelift would likely be launched in the festive season.
The RBC MPV has been spotted testing in India and it is based on the CMF-A platform from Renault. The sub-4-metre vehicle is likely to be powered by the same 1.0-litre engine powering the Kwid hatchback, but tuned for more power output. It is likely to feature ABS, dual airbags and rear parking sensors, to keep up with the upcoming safety standards. The vehicle is also likely to feature the touchscreen infotainment system and digital instrument cluster from the Kwid.
The 2019 Duster, which will follow the RBC MPV, will be launched by mid-2019. Codenamed HJD, it will be based either the Renault-Nissan CMF-B or the current B0/Logan platform. It is likely to come with a seven-seat configuration option and to be powered by the same 1.5-litre diesel and 1.6-litre petrol engines. The engines could be tuned for optimised fuel efficiency and performance.
Renault recently gave a minor update to the Kwid but it is likely that they will launch a heavier facelifted version in the festive season next year. The small car will get changes to the exteriors and interiors but is likely to continue with the same engine options.
An all-electric version of the Kwid, called the Renault K-ZE was showcased at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. It will go on sale in China first and then in other international markets. It is unlikely that the K-ZE will launch in India any time soon.
Upcoming Renault Cars
– Renault to launch 3 vehicles in India in 2019
– First will be the RBC MPV followed by Duster facelift and Kwid facelift
– Renault K-ZE unlikely to launch in India
