Renault India has just launched the Lodgy MPV and now the French car maker will unveil its entry level hatchback codenamed XBA on 20th May 2015. Renault Duster has been the sole successor in India while its other cars like Scala and Pulse have not managed to generate high Volumes. The luxury offerings like Koleos and Fluence are complete letdown for the French car maker. XBA hatchback is expected to be launched soon after its global unveil on 20th May.
A report suggests that Renault XBA hatchback is expected to be called the “Kayou” which translates to Commute in Japanese, if it’s true than this name will be the latest entrant to the absurd automobile names.
The Kayou will compete in entry level hatchback segment against the likes of Hyundai EON, Maruti Suzuki Alto k10/800 and Chevrolet Spark.
The XBA hatchback is developed by Nissan-Renault alliance on all new CMF (Common Modular platform) which was unveiled in 2013. Datsun’s Redi-Go is based on same CMF platform which was showcased at 2014 Indian Auto Expo and XBA will be the premium version of Redi-Go.
Renault XBA aka Kayou hatchback spied many times with full camouflage and it features crossover like styling so expect it to be high on space efficiency. Renault XBA is expected to sport robust design and taut bodyshell to make it suitable and safe for Indian roads.
The Kayou will be powered by all new 800cc petrol engine codenamed BR-8 fit to produce 50-55bhp power and paired to a 5 speed manual transmission. Renault is also planning to introduce an (automated manual transmission) AMT in the Indian market.
The XBA aka Kayou will be priced at Rs. 2.5 lakh (ex-showroom) and expect it to be launched in 3-4 variants. The car will be manufactured at company’s Moroccan Facility and it will also be produced at Renault-Nissan Tamilnadu plant. XBA will be heavily localized in order to achieve cost benefits.
