Renault has started work on a new low-cost hatchback codenamed as the XBA. This new hatchback will also feature an all-new petrol motor when launched here in India.
Codenamed as the BR-8, this new engine unit will be a 800cc, three-cylinder petrol motor with twin-cam and four-valves-per-cylinder. Renault is targeting high levers of fuel efficiency and substantial power figures from this unit.
Following the current trend, and how well the market has accepted it, Renault will bring down this engine mated to an AMT gearbox. This will plot the car directly against the newly launched Maruti Suzuki Alto K10.
Another bigger and powerful 1.0L petrol motor is also planned for the future, which has been codenamed as the BR10.
There will be no diesel motor offered with the XBA hatchback. The hatchback should be priced in the range of Rs. 3 lakh and will be available by mid-2015
Source – Autocar