We reported earlier that Renault will launch its entry level small car, codenamed XBA, in the Indian car market. The small car will rival against the likes of Maruti Alto 800 and Hyundai Eon, and it is likely to go on sale by the end of next year. The XBA small car will be based on the versatile CMF-A platform which was announced last year.
Like the Volkswagen Group’s MQB architecture, the CMF-A also adopted different body style, size and engine lineup. The Renault XBA will be manufactured at the Renault-Nissan production plant in Chennai. This is the same platform on which the Datsun Redi-Go crossover will be based.
This A-Entry level hatchback will be the lowest priced car sold by Renault in the Indian car market. Under the hood, the Renault XBA will get a new 1.0-litre petrol engine which is in the development stage. This engine will be coupled to a five-speed manual transmission gearbox. This model will also go on sale in the Brazilian market.
The competition level in the entry level market is all set to get furious. With Renault XBA, Datsun Go and Volkswagen’s budget brand, it will be interesting to see how Maruti will counter the growing challenge to keep its dominance in the entry level segment.
