Renault’s XBA hatchback coming before Lody MPV?

Spotted testing several times on Indian soil, seems like the Renault XBA hatchback could make a market debut ahead of the Renault Lodgy MPV.

Renault targets to achieve 5% market share in India in the next 2-3 years and hence wants to have its presence in the B-segment hatchback space. The XBA hatchback is based on the Datsun Redi Go concept which was revealed at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo. The XBA will be based on Renault-Nissan’s CMF-A modular platform and the car will be built at the Chennai facility. 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.

Another cheaper sibling, codenamed as the I2 will me launched on a later date and could probably be sold under the Datsun brand.

The Lodgy also has been spotted testing on Indian soil multiple times and when launched, will fight against the Maruti Ertiga, Honda Mobilio and Toyota Innova.

The Lodgy measures 4,498mm in length, 1,751mm in width and 1,695mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,810mm. In India, Renault will most probably plonk the tried and tested workhorse, the 1.5L K9K diesel motor. This engine will be offered in the  85 PS version mostly mated to a 5-speed gearbox.

Source – FinancialExpress