Based on CMF-A+ platform the new MPV is codenamed as Renault RBC; likely to launch in 2018
Renault is taking aggressive portfolio expansion strategy for Indian market in order to increase its market share here. To achieve that goal, the automaker is aiming to roll out a new product every year in the domestic market. While the French brand is ready to launch the Captur, it will introduce a seven seater MPV next in the country in 2018 as part of the ‘Drive the Future’ plan.
Codenamed as Renault RBC, the MPV will be loosely based below Renault Lodgy in the domestic portfolio and it will be a brand new vehicle altogether. Upon arrival, it will lock horns with Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Honda BR-V and Datsun Go+. The Renault RBC will be based on the extended version of Kwid hatchback’s CMF-A platform that is likely to be called as CMF-A+.
Also read: Renault Captur Premium SUV Revealed In India Ahead Of Launch
In the MPV segment, Renault couldn’t achieve desired success with Lodgy. Now, with the upcoming seven-seater MPV it is making a fresh attempt to make good fortune. The Renault RBC will come as a less expensive product adopting the brand’s latest design language. Expect it to wear a muscular and stylish stance with prominent nose while having a range of upmarket features. The powertrain options are likely to be new.
Renault RBC MPV is expected to be available in fuel efficient petrol and diesel engine options. In order to achieve success against a tough rival like Maruti Suzuki, the automaker needs to price the upcoming MPV aggressively. In that case, we can expect it to be priced between Rs. 6.50 lakh and Rs. 10.30 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). Reports are that it will be priced lower than the Ertiga due to high localisation possible via Kwid’s platform.
Also read: Renault Duster Sandstorm Special Edition Launched In India At Rs. 10.90 Lakh
Apart from the MPV codenamed as Renault RBC, the French auto giant is also working on a new compact SUV that is to be launched in the domestic market in 2019. This would arrive as a rival against the tough competitors like Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and all-new Tata Nexon. This compact SUV is codenamed as Renault HBC and it too will be priced aggressively and it will be positioned below the Duster.
The production version of the internally codenamed RBC under development may act as an eventual replacement to the Lodgy or it could be an evolution of the Kwid into a whole new product with overall length of around four metres. Chances of it being aggressively positioned as the Datsun Go Plus with sub-four metre length cannot be ruled out either.
Also Read: 2017 Renault Grand Scenic Patented in India
Powertrain options could include the 1.5-litre diesel engine producing a maximum power of 84 bhp at 3,750 rpm and 200 Nm of peak torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels through a five-manual transmission and an AMT may as well be offered in the top-end models. We reported last October that Renault is planning an investment of Rs. 2,500-3,000 crore over the next four or five years to consolidate its market position.
Part of which, an under-four-metre sedan is also expected by the end of this decade. Possibility of Renault Grand Scenic entering India cannot be ruled out either. We informed you exclusively already that it was patented in India and could target the premium space of Mahindra XUV500, Tata Hexa and Jeep Compass. As part of the mid-term plan between 2017 and 2022 period four launches including an EV will arrive in India.
Source: ACI