New Renault Kwid to be launched in South Africa this October

A new report from carmag.co.za says that the updated model will go on sale in South Africa in October this year.

The Renault Kwid was launched in India in September 2015 and in South Africa in November 2016. It gained a new standard safety feature  - ABS and will follow in May. Should the rollout of the facelifted model have a similar time difference, the local launch could take place earlier than reported.

On the outside, the facelifted Renault Kwid may feature minor design changes to the headlamps, radiator grille, front and rear bumpers and tail lamps. Also, it will likely have new alloy wheels. Inside, the overall layout and design should remain the same. Changes may include new fabric seats, enhancements to the instrument cluster and new trim appointments. Just earlier this month, the MediaNAV Evolution infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support replaced the MediaNAV unit. So expect, no changes in that department.

The engine and transmission choices will likely remain the same. Renault may wait until the BSVI deadline (1 April 2020) nears to upgrade the 0.8- and 1.0-litre SCe naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engines. That is assuming that it is planning a mid-year launch, though.

In the BSIV form, the 0.8-litre engine produces 56 PS and 72 Nm of torque and the 1.0-litre engine develops 68 PS and 91 Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, but there is an option for a 5-speed AMT on selecting the bigger engine.