Renault has plans to enter the high volumes A segment hatchback space with the upcoming XBA. Currently, Renault only has a single hatchback in the form of the Pulse which is nothing but a restyled and rebadged Nissan Micra.
The new XBA hatchback will rival the entry level products such as the Maruti Alto, Hyundai Eon and Chevrolet Spark. Renault is optimistic that this new hatchback will bring them better volumes and will turn out to be the bread and butter model going forward. The XBA should make a market debut by 2016.
The XBA will be based on Renault-Nissan’s CMF-A modular platform and the car will be built at the Chennai facility. This platform will be shared with the Datsun Redi-Go. The company is looking at maximum localisation levels to keep the price competitive. The XBA will be a global product, but will be launched in India and other emerging markets first. Engine is rumoured to be a sub 1.0L petrol motor which will be mated to a manual and an AMT gearbox. From the pictures, the car looks taller than the Maruti Alto, and hence, would result in more room in the cabin.
Source – Motor Vikatan