Two Renault Kwid-based concept cars, the Climber and the Racer, have been unveiled at the Auto Expo and some of their features could make it into future production models.
With a high ground clearance, wide track, short overhangs, and special off-road pattern tyres, the flame-orange liveried Kwid Climber is the more extreme off-roader and aims to show that the original Kwid hatchback’s SUV image can be translated into off-road performance.
The Renault Kwid Racer on the other hand is in an entirely different category altogether, and brings out the world of track motor racing with its low profile tyres shod on 18in alloy wheels, tweaked aerodynamics, four-point harness bucket seats, a digital rev counter and roll cage.
There is a totem display in the centre console that can let the driver track his or her performance in real time, and the interior also features aluminium, carbon and Alcantara, as well as a leather-trimmed steering wheel with an alloy frame.
Laurens van der Acker, senior vice president of Corporate Design highlighted the fact that Renault was proud that the concept cars have been largely designed and built in India by Renault’s Mumbai and Chennai design studios.
“Both the Racer and Climber have been developed keeping in mind specific customer needs and cater to very diverse audiences,” van der Acker said. “They reflect our intent to keep pace with global innovations and at the same time make products to suit the local needs.”
The Kwid had its global unveil in India in May 2015 and has gone on to be a hit for the company with 100,000 orders since its launch about four months ago. Also, Kwid was recently titled 'Car Of The Year' by Autocar India. The success has a lot to do with the Kwid’s unique SUV-like character and the Climber and Racer concepts aim to bring in two more avatars to the Kwid family.