Renault RBC will become the most affordable MPV from the brand and could go on sale in early 2019
One of the main reasons for MPV success in India has to be the good space being offered on the inside as well as the aggressive price point. Maruti Suzuki’s Ertiga has long been running the show as far as affordable MPVs are concerned and it is getting a brand new generation in less than two weeks.
The Ertiga seven-seater MPV now a new rival to tackle in the form of Mahindra Marazzo. However, below its price range, the segment has not been explored largely. Renault wants to make the most out of the MPV space likely below Rs. 8 lakh and it is preparing to introduce what has been codenamed RBC.
Having spotted testing quite a few times on Indian roads, Renault RBC is expected to break covers in the early parts of 2019. The entry-level MPV will likely be positioned below the Ertiga and it could become more premium than Datsun’s already existing Go Plus. On the outside, the RBC does look to have good road presence and well proportioned.
It boasts tall pillars which could ensure good interior room while the windshield is raked and the bonnet is a tad short than usual for allowing long wheelbase. We can expect the wheelbase to be more than what the Go Plus offers at over 2,450 mm and it will definitely sit under four metres length for availing tax reduction.
Going by the pictures of the test mules, Renault RBC may well be wider than the Ertiga while a ground clearance of more than 180 mm is necessary to tackle Indian road conditions. It will be built on the updated CMF-A+ platform that already underpins the popular Kwid and heavily localised to keep the pricing very affordable.
We can expect the price range to be around Rs. 4 lakh to Rs. 7.5 lakh (ex-showroom). It will likely be powered by the fuel-efficient 1.0-litre petrol engine mated to either a five-speed manual or an AMT. The fuel economy figures should stand in the vicinity of 20 kmpl. We will get to know more about the RBC leading up to its launch timeline.