The Renault concept – which, significantly, is the first to be unveiled outside Europe – is billed as a “robust yet joyful vehicle” and has a buggy car appearance aimed at young customers along with scissor doors.

The two-tone yellow and grey exterior – chosen not just to represent Renault’s colours but also colours associated with India – also features a robust appearance due to its protective guards and chunky wings and, despite its two-wheel drive transmission, is intended to look like an off-roader.

The interior – inspired, says the carmaker, by a bird’s nest – uses a front bench on which the driver sits slightly ahead of the passengers plus a suspended rear bench and a two-tone elastomer material. Renault adds that the central driving position meets international driving demands, enabling the car to driven in both right hand and left hand drive markets – a key part of its international positioning of the model.

But probably of most interest is the “Flying Companion”, which looks a bit like a helicopter and takes off from the rotating rear portion of the KWID concept’s roof. This can be used to scout out, detect obstacles or traffic problems etc, either via a pre-programmed flying sequence and GPS location or a manual mode, which enables the companion to be controlled using a tablet inside the vehicle.

‘Customers in new markets are much younger,’ said Serge Mouangue, brand manager and innovative cooperative laboratory manager. ‘Their expectations are different and customers are basically gamers. They tend to take a closer interest in technology and want to enjoy themselves. This concept car meets those needs in a variety of ways, but mainly thanks to the Flying Companion which makes driving both safe and fun. This is the very first time in the long automotive history we can dry on earth with an eye in the sky. It’s an amazing feature!’

The concept features a latest-generation downsized 1.2-litre petrol turbocharged engine married up to a dual-clutch transmission EDC. Renault adds that it could also serve as a pure electric vehicle, with the design having already allowing for batteries – and comes with a charging plug behind the Renault logo.

The carmaker added that the concept reiterates its commitment to India

‘Renault has seen unparalleled growth in India in just under three years and the market is set to continue playing a significant role in the company’s global strategy in the years to come,’ said Sumit Sawhney, managing director, Renault India Pvt Ltd. ‘The reveal of the KWID CONCEPT in India – the first such unveil outside Europe, as well as its design keeping in mind the young customers in India illustrate our strong commitment to the country.’