2014 Auto Expo 2014: Renault KWID concept unveiled

For the first time in its history, Renault has showcased an all new international concept outside of Europe. The new concept is called the "KWID", another in a long line of unusual names we've been seeing. KWID is latin for "What" which isn't exactly a more normal name. Renault officials say the there were two intentions behind the name, the other being that KWID sounds a lot like quid, the colloquail English word for a single Pound. As Renault state, its meant to give the car an air of affordability and make it something that you always carry on your person.

The KWID is esentially a concept, and its one that may never see the light of production. However Renault claims that theintention behind the concept is to show India how serious they are about our market and to show us what they think would be a future vehicle that best fits our needs. Thus, going by the current market trend the KWID is a compact SUV with massive chunkt tyres. It's a five seater at heart, but with a twist. The driver sits in the middle, just like in an old McLaren F1 with two passengers on either side. There's space for two more passengers in the rear with plenty of knee room on offer. Rear passengers can access their setas by electronically moving the front seats ahead. Entranceto the cabin is via two large and outlandish gull wing doors.

Power comes from a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to a dual clutch automatic.Howver Renault says that the car is ready to accept a bank of batteries making it a full electric vehicle. Renault's commitment to electric vehicles can be seen through the fact that there's almost no venting on the front of the vehicle. While the car looks like a hardcore offroader its actually only two wheel drive.

Connectivity is a big theme with the KWID. So beyong the freaky elastomer coated fixed seats you'll find an tablet in the dashboard that handles everything from entertainment to navigation and something Renault calls "Flight Companion". This system essentailly allows users to analyse traffic conditions ahead, detect obstacles and even take pictures of the landscape around. The tablet also facilitates the opening of the trick rotating portion of the KWID's rear roof.

The KWID concept was designed by an international team that included inputs from Renault India. While this is an interesting car it is still only a concept Renault. The company also launched the facelfted Fluence, Koleos and "Adventure edition of the Duster at the Expo.