Our regular readers will remember that Renault India has started testing a new hatchback, codenamed as XBA, to fight the Alto K10 and the Hyundai Eon. Entering into the mass market segment is something that should help them increase their footprint here.
and hopefully this time again they will be able to whip out magic like in the case of the Duster.
Based on the Common Module Family (CMF) platform, Renault will be plonking in an all-new 800 cc petrol engine on the XBA. As per a report published on Autocar India, the new engine, codenamed as BR-8, will be a three cylinder unit. But unlike what one would expect form an entry level car, the BR-8 will have a technologically sound twin cam, four valves per cylinder unit.
Thanks to the advanced machinery incorporated in the engine, the power output and efficiency is expected to be fairly respectable and could be best in class. The report further states that the company might develop a slightly bigger 1.0 L unit (BR-10) when the need arises.
Maruti’s Alto K10 has just been upgraded with Auto Gear Shift (AMT) technology which is expected to bring them a lot of volumes. Autocar reports that along with the regular manual transmission, Renault’s XBA will also be launched along with an AMT gearbox.
Magneti Marelli, which is the supplier for AMT gearboxes Maruti, is already running at full capacity and has a huge shortage issue. There have been rumours that Bosch has started approaching car makers in India with their version of the same. So will we see a Bosch built AMT on this Renault XBA? Not sure yet! But the launch is scheduled for mid-2015 at starting prices of Rs 3 Lakhs…
i want to buy xba