It is no secret that French auto maker, Renault is developing a new small hatchback codenamed XBA. The Maruti Alto rival will be positioned beneath Pulse in Renault India’s product portfolio. Apparently, the auto giant is also developing a new low displacement 800 cc engine that will be housed in the upcoming hatchback. The new engine could get a twin-cam set up and four-valves for each cylinder. Rumours opine that the new powertrain could come fitted with three cylinders, though there is yet no confirmation on that from the auto giant. Yet in development stage, Renault engineers are focusing on efficiency and power for the new engine.
According to media reports, the hatchback could be launched only in petrol variants. An automated manual transmission variant could be included in the range. Besides the new 800 cc petrol engine, Renault could later put on offer a 1.0 litre, petrol engine. The volume segment hatchback is likely to be introduced in India by early next year. On the price front we expect the hatchback to be tagged competitively. While there are a handful of options in A segment, the hatchback will mainly fight it out with the newly launched Maruti Alto K10.
