The new electric Renault Kwid E-Tech has been spotted for the first time undergoing road testing on Brazil’s roads ahead of its official launch in South America. The Kwid E-Tech is already on sale in China where it’s known as the City K-ZE.
- Electric Kwid spotted testing in Brazil
- Renault already sells the electric Kwid in China
- No plans of India launch as of now
Renault Kwid E-Tech: what to expect?
The Kwid E-Tech is based on the facelifted Renault Kwid but comes with a closed front-grille. The car spotted in Brazil closely resembles the City K-ZE sold in China. There are no confirmed technical details on the Brazilian-spec car, but sources tell us that Renault will put a more powerful electric motor than the one offered in the European Dacia Spring, which is also a Kwid-based EV.
The electric hatchback in Europe has a power of 44hp and 125Nm and comes with a 26.8kWh battery pack that gives it a claimed range of 295km (WLTP cycle) in the city. The City K-ZE has the same battery pack and power figures, with a claimed range of 271km (NEDC cycle). The battery’s relatively small size ensures faster charging time, according to the manufacturer.
In 2020, Renault India had announced that the K-ZE hatchback would be launched in the Indian market “in the next two years”. However, we are now told that the model won’t come to India in the near future. Renault is, however, considering the launch of the premium Megane E-Tech all-electric crossover.
Renault Kwid in India
The Renault Kwid has been in the Indian market since 2015 and the hatchback has proved to be a huge success for the French manufacturer. The Kwid won the prestigious Autocar Car of the Year award in 2016 and has also participated in our drive from Delhi to Paris.
In 2019, Renault released the facelifted Kwid for the Indian market. It comes with two petrol engine options – a 54hp, 0.8-litre and a 68hp, 1.0-litre unit. The latter comes with an option of a 5-speed AMT along with the standard 5-speed manual gearbox. The Kwid rivals entry-level hatchbacks like the Datsun Redigo and Maruti Alto.
Also see:
Renault K-ZE to be pitched as EV for the masses
New Renault Kwid Climber long term review, first report
Renault sells 4 lakh Kwids in India
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