Renault, the French automaker, will launch a new budget hatchback in the Indian car market in 2015. Codenamed as XBA, the A-entry level hatchback will compete against the likes of Maruti Suzuki Alto 800, Datsun Go and Hyundai Eon. To be positioned under the Pulse, the small car will be offered in petrol version only. It will be the company’s first car based on the Common Module Family (CMF) architecture and it will be manufactured at the Renault-Nissan technical centre in Chennai.
If media reports are to be believed, Renault is working on an all-new 800cc motor which will make its debut in the small XBA car. This engine is likely to get a twin-cam set-up and will feature four-valves per cylinder. It will be a three-pot motor and is expected to be fuel efficient and powerful as well.
It is also likely to get an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT); however, nothing has been confirmed on the same. The company may not launch the diesel version of the hatchback. Rumour also suggests that the new compact car could get a more powerful 1.0L petrol engine.
Renault is entering into the one of the country’s most competitive segments to increase its market share. Currently, the Duster is the company’s top-selling product; however, it has been facing serious competition in the segment for quite sometime now.
