As already read by our dear readers in our previous posts in the month of August at BharathAutos, Renault was preparing to introduce two new cars into the Indian market which included a compact MPV and an entry-level small car in 2015. Out of these, the small entry-level hatchback codenamed ‘XBA’ is already spotted testing in India with a heavy camouflage and is expected to be launched in early-2015 to compete with other segment leaders such as Maruti Alto 800, Hyundai Eon & Datsun Go in the Indian market.
CEO and Managing Director of Renault India says 800cc Renault XBA hatchback will be an exciting package.With the engine of the upcoming XBA hatchback developed by Renault and Nissan in India, the new hatchback would also share its platform with the Datsun redi-GO which is yet another budget hatchback showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo at a price of INR 4 lakhs. Since the spy shots of the upcoming XBA hatchback is still fully camouflaged, design and shape look similar to the redi-GO but it is bigger in size than the Alto 800 and the Eon. With this upcoming launch, XBA would be the cheapest Renault car in India.
Mr. Sumit Sawhney, CEO and Managing Direction at Renault India said –
“Company plans to introduce a MPV and a small car in near future, while it has always been known that the manufacturer already has plans to launch an 800cc Renault XBA hatchback and a Lodgy MPV in the Indian market. He also revealed that the XBA is going to be ‘an exciting package with unique design cues.’”
Design wise the Renault XBA hatchback is expected to borrow heavily form the Datsun redi-GO Concept.
Renault’s XBA hatchback will be manufactured at Renault-Nissan’s Chennai facility which has already been expanded recently. Brazil will also be one of the manufacturing locations as Renault plans on selling the XBA in other developing nations as well. The entry-level XBA hatchback would be powered with an 800cc motor mated to 5-speed manual transmission providing high fuel efficiency. It is expected to be launched early-2015 at a price tag of INR 4 lakhs.
Please do write us in your views whether this upcoming hatchback could compete the other market giants in this segment such as Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 and Hyundai Eon.
To read more on Renault India, Click here
Also see – Datsun redi-GO based ‘Renault XBA’ to be launched in 2015
Image Credit – Motor Vikatan
