Renault 'XBA' sub-4 lakh car to be revealed "very soon" in India - IAB Report

13/04/2015 - 15:04 Renault XBA, Renault Anjan Ravi

Would be powered by an 800cc petrol engine.

Having just launched the Renault Lodgy, the French car maker is gearing up to introduce, what analysts say, will be its most important product in India. Codenamed 'XBA', the small hatchback will take on rivals like the Maruti Alto and Hyundai Eon when it is launched later this year.

Datsun redi-GO at the 2014 Indonesia International Motor Show front — The Datsun redi-Go based small car which will launch next year will be based on the XBA's platform.

However, sources say that Renault would unveil the XBA much prior to its launch. When asked about a timeframe, Renault India's managing director and CEO, Mr. Sumit Sawhney, told Indian Autos Blog -

You'll hear very soon about that from us.

The XBA will be the third volume player for the brand after the Duster and Lodgy, and will be instrumental in increasing the car maker's market share from the current 2 percent to 5 percent. It is expected to be powered by an 800 cc three-cylinder petrol engine paired to manual and automated manual transmissions (AMT).

2015 Renault Pulse press shot — At a sub-4 lakhs starting price, the XBA will neatly slot below the Pulse.

Mr. Sawhney also confirmed that the XBA will be a global car, as it will be based on the modern CMF-A modular platform. The third Datsun product for India, codenamed 'I2', will also be underpinned on the same platform.

When asked if Renault India's design center has contributed to the XBA project, Mr. Sawhney said -

Our design center in India has played a fairly significant role in that product.

Rivals: Chevrolet Spark, Datsun redi-Go, Maruti Alto, Hyundai Eon
Expected Price: INR 3-4 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date: Mid-2015 in India (expected)