Renault are looking to invest more in the popular compact segments here. The French automaker recently launched their 7-seater compact MPV, the Triber recently. The good response to the Triber has given Renault the confidence to launch more affordable products here in the future.
Now, Renault will look to try their luck in the compact SUV segment with a new offering. Codenamed the HBC, this compact SUV will debut at the upcoming Auto Expo 2020 to be held in Greater Noida. The HBC will be based on an updated version of Renault’s CMF-A platform.
As a result, it will share a lot of components with the Triber, which also is based on the same platform. We can expect the HBC to come equipped with some clever features, which may include an innovative 7-seat layout. Renault will likely be giving the HBC a 1.0 litre, three-cylinder petrol motor.
This motor produces 72 BHP of power and 96 Nm of torque. It comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, with an AMT being offered as an option. The HBC, like the Triber, may not be available in a diesel option.
Renault do have the 1.5 litre K9K diesel motor, seen on the Duster. While this motor does not comply with the upcoming BS-VI emission norms, Renault may not look upon updating it. This is due to the growing uncertainty of diesel engines in India.
We can expect an official decision on whether the diesel engine may be updated for the future soon. The HBC will slot between the Triber and the Duster in Renault’s India line-up. Renault will look on launching the HBC at an aggressive price tag as they did with the Triber. When launched, the Triber will rival the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford Ecosport, Tata Nexon and the Mahindra XUV300.
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Also see: Renault India to launch 3 new models in 2019, includes next-gen Duster
