Renault To Feature Smartphone Connectivity Features Soon — Kwid, Captur & Lodgy To Be Updated

Renault India will soon be updating its entire model lineup in the country to offer additional features. These include the smartphone connectivity through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

According to carandbike, Renault has confirmed that the update will be available in all models sold from the 12th of February. The first set of updated models will be available in metropolitan cities while tier-two cities will receive the updated cars, 10 to 15 days later.

The models in question are the top-spec variants of the Kwid, Captur and the Lodgy. All these three models already offer a touchscreen infotainment unit, however, miss out on the key connectivity features.

The current models, offer the infotainment unit with just Bluetooth, AUX and USB options. The addition of the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functions will help provide the models with the extra edge over its competitors.

The Kwid hatchback was the first car in the hatchback segment to offer a 7-inch touchscreen system. However, its competitors including the 2019 Wagon R and the Hyundai Santro now come with an infotainment system, with the smartphone connectivity functions.

The same goes for the Captur SUV as well, which lost the competition in the market with the Hyundai Creta, mainly due to the missing features. Smartphone connectivity functions (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) have now almost become a standard feature expected in any model. This is especially true for more expensive product offerings, such as the Captur SUV.

With the increasing competition in the Indian car market, demand from customers for more upmarket and feature-packed products is also on the rise. So to stay ahead of the competition in the market, most carmakers are offering these additional features, across its entire product lineup.

As mentioned before, Maruti Suzuki recently launched the 2019 Wagon R in the Indian market. The new Wagon R which is a direct rival to the entry-level Renault Kwid is offered with a 7-inch touchscreen SmartPlay Studio Infotainment system.

Thoughts On Renault Adding New Features Across Its 2019 Models

Renault will update its entire product lineup with the above-mentioned smartphone connectivity features. The 2019 models will be available first in metropolitan cities starting mid-February. Other Tier-II cities will get the updated models from the start of next month.