We reported earlier that Renault, the French car manufacturer, is considering a sub-4 metre SUV for the Indian market. To be slotted below the top-selling Duster SUV, the new compact SUV will challenge the Ford EcoSport and the upcoming Maruti YBA. The company’s bestselling car- the Duster measures over 4 meters in length, which means that the vehicle is not eligible to avail benefits on cars under 4 meter in length. According to Business Standard, Renault is planning to introduce the Captur SUV in the Indian car market.
The Renault Captur is currently on sale in select international markets, and is doing great business for the maker. It measures 4.1 meters in length; however, the company will chop the rear end to keep its length under 4 metre. The crossover is expected to get revised front and rear bumpers. Moreover, the next generation Captur could make its way to our market, which is expected to be based on a CMF platform.
The current model is based on the Renault-Nissan B platform (V platform in India) that also underpins the Nissan Micra and the Renault Pulse. The Renault Captur is currently offered with a 0.9-litre 3-cylinder and 1.2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol motors and the 1.5-litre K9K turbo diesel engine.
The India-spec model could feature the 1.2-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre diesel mills. Both manual and automatic transmissions are likely to be offered as standard, which sends the power to front wheels of the SUV. The new compact SUV from the French automaker is unlikely to make its way to Indian market before 2017-18.
Before launching this sub-4 metre SUV, Renault India is aiming to further expand its product and dealerships in the country. This year, the maker will launch the Lodgy MPV and the A-Entry/XBA budget hatchback. While the Lodgy MPV will be launched by March, the XBA hatch will go on sale by the festive season.
