Renault Kwid
| Company type | Product |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | May 20, 2015 |
| Founder | Renault |
| Headquarters | France |
Area served | India, Brazil, Latin America, China, Europe (as Dacia Spring Electric) |
Key people | Gérard Detourbet (design lead), Carlos Ghosn (CEO at launch) |
| Products | Renault Kwid, Renault City K-ZE (electric variant), Dacia Spring Electric |
| Parent | Renault |
The Renault Kwid is a crossover city car manufactured by the French automaker Renault, initially launched in 2015 with a focus on the Indian market. In 2017, an enhanced version tailored for Brazil was introduced, aimed at Latin American consumers. Its electric variant, known as the Renault City K-ZE, was first revealed in China in 2019 and later exported to Europe under the name Dacia Spring Electric starting in 2021, as well as marketed in Latin America as the Renault Kwid E-Tech from 2022 onwards.
History
Developed under the project code BBA, the Kwid represents the inaugural vehicle built on the CMF-A platform, a collaborative effort between Renault and Nissan. Compared to Renault's smallest traditional model, the Twingo, it is marginally longer but narrower, featuring an elevated seating position and increased ground clearance.
The design process was led by an Indian engineering team headed by Gérard Detourbet, a veteran engineer renowned for his innovative approach and leadership in developing the first-generation Dacia Logan. The Kwid benefits from significant local input and expertise.
Officially unveiled in Chennai on 20 May 2015 by Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn, who described it as "a game changer for Renault in India," the Kwid boasts 98% localized components. It targets the compact car segment in India, competing against vehicles such as the Suzuki Alto, and includes features rarely seen in its category like a digital instrument panel and a touchscreen multimedia system.
Debuting in India in September 2015 with a starting price of 257,000 rupees (around $3,884), the Kwid quickly gained traction, recording 25,000 bookings within two weeks, 50,000 by five weeks, and reaching 70,000 orders after two months—securing roughly a 10% share of its market segment. The Indian-manufactured Kwid is also exported to countries including Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Tunisia, and various nations across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Specifications
At its introduction, the Kwid was equipped with a three-cylinder 799 cc engine delivering 54 horsepower and torque of , coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox. The Financial Express praised its 300-litre trunk capacity as "the largest in its category" and noted its fuel economy as "leading within its class" at . In August 2016, Renault upgraded the powertrain by offering a more robust 1.0-liter engine generating 68 horsepower and , resulting in improved performance.
A minor facelift implemented in July 2018 introduced front seatbelt pretensioners, dual USB ports, a rear armrest, an updated grille design, and two additional color choices. The Dacia Easy-R five-speed automated manual transmission also became available for models sold in India.
Latin American version
In 2017, Renault released a substantially modified Kwid produced at its Brazilian facility to comply with stricter safety regulations applicable locally. This variant features reinforced structural elements and includes four standard airbags, contributing to an increase of 88 kg over the Indian version. It is powered solely by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder petrol engine.
The Kwid made its debut in Mexico in May 2019 with trims named Intens, Iconic, and Outsider. Later, in November 2020, the Bitono edition was introduced featuring a black roof and color options such as Marfil (Ivory), Rojo Fuego (Fire Red), and Naranja Ocre (Ocher Orange). Positioned above the Outsider trim level, this edition offers upgraded styling cues and additional equipment.
2019 Facelift
In October 2019, the Kwid received a facelift in India, showcasing a front fascia influenced by the electric Renault City K-ZE. This revision incorporated split LED headlights with integrated daytime running lights and upgraded to a larger 8.0-inch infotainment display compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, an optional passenger airbag was introduced.
The refreshed version was subsequently launched in Brazil and across Latin America in early 2022. Furthermore, Renault re-entered the Brunei market in July 2022, offering the Kwid in RXT and Climber trims.
Safety
The Kwid is equipped with rear drum brakes. In 2016, the Indian variant lacking ABS was rated 0 stars for adult occupant protection and 2 stars for child occupants by Global NCAP, results comparable to rivals such as the Suzuki Alto and Hyundai Eon. The absence of standard airbags drew criticism, although Renault challenged Global NCAP’s testing protocol, emphasizing compliance with Indian safety regulations.
That same year, a model fitted with a driver airbag achieved a 1-star rating for both adult and child safety. In 2020, a two-airbag version intended for the African market earned 2 stars in both categories. The Brazilian-spec Kwid, equipped with four airbags but without ESC, attained a 3-star rating from Latin NCAP in 2017 under more stringent testing standards than earlier Global NCAP assessments.
Engines
| Engine | Configuration | Displacement | Power | Torque | Maximum speed | Transmission | Acceleration (0–100 km/h) | Fuel efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | ||||||||
| 0.8 SCe | I3 | 799 cc | 40 kW (54 hp) | 72 N⋅m at 4400 rpm | 143 km/h | 5-speed manual | 16.4 s | 4.1 L/100 km |
| 1.0 SCe | 999 cc | 50 kW (68 hp) | 91 N⋅m at 4250 rpm | 157 km/h | 13.9 s | 4.7 L/100 km | ||
Sales
| Year | India | South Africa | Brazil | Argentina | Colombia | Mexico | Global total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 17,933 | ||||||
| 2016 | 105,745 | 111,688 | |||||
| 2017 | 92,440 | 8,027 | 22,576 | 430 | 124,807 | ||
| 2018 | 66,815 | 9,695 | 67,320 | 22,578 | 171,088 | ||
| 2019 | 53,438 | 11,848 | 85,117 | 12,058 | 8,706 | 7,196 | 183,989 |
| 2020 | 37,927 | 6,017 | 49,476 | 7,657 | 7,695 | 9,709 | 117,898 |
| 2021 | 31,656 | 7,919 | 52,922 | 3,168 | 8,410 | 11,368 | 120,056 |
| 2022 | 23,127 | 9,770 | 57,019 | 57 | 8,351 | 13,809 | 123,364 |
Renault City K-ZE
The Renault City K-ZE represents an all-electric variant of the Renault Kwid and has been manufactured since 2019 at eGT New Energy Automotive’s plant in Shiyan, Hubei province. This facility is operated through a joint venture involving Dongfeng Motor Group, Renault, and Nissan. Initially showcased as a concept during the 2018 Paris Motor Show, its production-ready version was unveiled at the 2019 Shanghai Motor Show before its launch in China later that year. Constructed on the dedicated CMFA-EV platform, it stands as Renault’s smallest electric model beneath the Renault Zoe.
Notably affordable with prices starting below $8,700 after subsidies, the City K-ZE targets budget-conscious urban consumers. Its design innovations—such as split LED headlights and distinctive C-shaped LED taillights—were later integrated into the internal combustion engine version of the Renault Kwid sold in India. The electric model also features four-lug wheels instead of three-lug ones found on petrol variants and is currently not available in right-hand drive configurations.
Specifications
Equipped with a 26.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, this vehicle utilizes a front-mounted electric motor that drives the front wheels.
Charging via DC fast charger from empty to 80% capacity requires approximately 50 minutes.
Although the EPA range is unavailable, estimates place it near , inferred from the car’s NEDC-rated range and similar battery electric vehicles like the Smart EQ Fortwo. The Chinese rating stands at , but this figure is derived from the obsolete NEDC cycle, which typically inflates electric vehicle range estimates.
Available optional equipment includes an infotainment system featuring a touchscreen, a rearview camera, manual air conditioning controls, and a smartphone application for remote monitoring of the vehicle.
Pricing and reception
Starting at RMB after government incentives (RMB without), this electric model is notably affordable when compared to Western market standards.
The City K-ZE represents a class of economical electric urban vehicles prevalent in China but seldom found in Western countries. It is likely the first in this segment to carry a Western brand name. Electric vehicle prices in China are considerably lower than those in the US or Europe and continue to decline, while prices in Western markets generally rise. According to JATO Dynamics, an all-electric vehicle priced at $1 in 2011 now costs $0.52 in China, contrasted with $1.42 in Europe and $1.55 in the United States.
Introduced to the Chinese market on 10 September 2019, this car earned the nickname "Tesla Killer" due to its low cost, although it is not the absolute cheapest EV available domestically.
Dongfeng brands-badged models
In addition to the City K-ZE production model, Dongfeng Nissan released an electric version of the Kwid under the Venucia brand named the Venucia e30, which entered the market in December 2019. The e30 is essentially a rebadged City K-ZE, sharing its drivetrain and styling elements. The e30 name had previously been applied to a rebadged EV based on the first generation Nissan Leaf.
Dongfeng-Fengshen showcased the Aeolus EX1 at the 2019 Chengdu Auto Show, powered by a 33 kW (44 hp) electric motor. By December 2020, it was rebranded as the Dongfeng EV EX1 under Dongfeng’s dedicated EV division.
In July 2022, Dongfeng introduced a redesigned variant named the Dongfeng Nano Box, positioned as an upgrade over the EX1. Unlike Venucia and Aeolus models that retain front-end designs inspired by the internal combustion engine Renault Kwid, the Nano Box adopts a front fascia more closely aligned with the City K-ZE, incorporating original plastic-molded parts that help minimize modification expenses. Despite utilizing the same motor, Dongfeng claims an extended range of 331 km (206 mi) according to China’s testing protocol.
Dacia Spring Electric
Renault’s electric vehicle division announced plans in October 2019 to export a version of the City K-ZE to Europe under project code BBG. On 3 March 2020, Dacia—Renault’s budget brand for Europe—revealed the Dacia Spring Electric concept derived from the K-ZE. Originally slated for unveiling at the canceled 2020 Geneva Motor Show due to COVID-19 restrictions, it was instead introduced via live streaming with a distinct grey exterior accented by neon orange highlights.
The production version of the Dacia Spring Electric debuted during Renault’s EWAYS conference on 15 October 2020. To meet European safety regulations, it incorporates a strengthened chassis, six airbags, and advanced driver assistance features. The powertrain received an upgrade featuring a 27.4 kWh lithium-ion battery (compared to 26.8 kWh in China), providing an estimated WLTP range of approximately .
Sales commenced in March 2021, positioning the Spring Electric as Europe’s most budget-friendly electric car at launch. It became the second highest-selling Chinese-exported EV early in 2021 after the Tesla Model 3, achieving sales of 17,398 units within eight months. Subsequently, Dacia launched car-sharing and cargo utility variants to broaden commercial use. Deliveries to corporate clients began early in 2021, followed by private customer deliveries later that year.
2022 update
Released in June 2022 alongside other Dacia models, the 2023 Spring Electric underwent a modest redesign featuring a refreshed front grille and a new rear emblem showcasing the latest Dacia branding and logo. It is equipped with a motor, has a curb weight of 970 kg, and seats four occupants.
In January 2023, Dacia launched the Spring Extreme variant, which includes a motor and delivers an extended driving range of .
By March 2023, the Cargo model adopted the updated logo and was introduced in select European countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
2024 update
The updated Spring was revealed on February 21, 2024, presenting redesigned front and rear bumpers along with refreshed headlight and taillight designs. Production now incorporates a right-hand drive configuration to cater to customers in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Safety
Under its standard European setup, the Dacia Spring earned a one-star rating in the December 2021 Euro NCAP crash assessment. Euro NCAP identified "a significant risk of life-threatening injuries to the driver's chest and rear passenger's head during frontal impacts, as well as limited chest protection in side collisions." The Latin NCAP testing protocol applied in 2022 aligns with the 2014 Euro NCAP criteria, which are less rigorous compared to the 2021 standards.
Renault Kwid E-Tech
Beginning in 2022, the City K-ZE was exported to Brazil under the name Renault Kwid E-Tech Electric, consistent with Renault’s electric vehicle naming conventions.
This Brazilian version is powered by a motor, an increase from the Chinese model’s , yet still below the output of the 1.0-litre internal combustion engine variant rated at . It weighs 977 kg—heavier than the ICE model’s 818 kg—resulting in a reduction of seating capacity from five to four.
By 2023, exports of the Kwid E-Tech Electric had expanded throughout most Latin American countries.
Kwid concept
Debuted at the 2014 Auto Expo in India, the Renault Kwid concept showcased SUV-inspired design elements including butterfly doors, large R16 wheels, and a roof-mounted remote-controlled quadcopter dubbed "Flyer Companion." The interior drew inspiration from a nest motif and featured an unconventional three-seat front row paired with two rear seats.