Report - Maruti Alto rivaling Renault XBA to be a global car; Launch next year

Powered by an all-new sub-1.0-liter petrol engine. 

Renault India have outlined two major launches next year, and the second launch, which will be the small car codenamed 'XBA', is expected to contribute significantly to volumes. Based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance's CMF-A modular platform, the XBA will roll out of the Alliance's Chennai factory with a high level of localization.

According to Mr. Sumit Sawhney, CEO and MD of Renault India, the XBA will be a global car, with India set to be among the first markets to launch into. While the company has not disclosed plans about the markets the XBA would go on sale in, India could export the small car to countries in Asia Pacific and Africa.

The XBA, sources say, will be powered by a new sub-1.0-liter petrol engine matched to manual and automated manual transmissions. A diesel variant of the XBA is unlikely to be offered as the car primarily targets first time car buyers, who generally prefer petrol.

Also see: Renault Lodgy MPV caught on video in Chennai, early 2015 launch

The XBA will share its platform with the Datsun redi-GO, which will be the third offering from the low-cost arm of Nissan in India.

Competitors: Maruti Alto, Hyundai Eon, Datsun redi-Go

Expected Price: INR 3-3.5 lakhs, ex-Showroom

Launch date: H2 2015 in India

[Source - Financial Express]