Renault announced plans to launch a compact MPV in the Indian market in October 2017. First spy shots of the Renault RBC (Renault compact MPV) surfaced online last week. Based on these images and Renault's current design language, IAB's automotive illustrator has created a rendering of the upcoming MPV.
The front end is reminiscent of current Renault models like the Kwid and Koleos. It gets a similar grille and headlamp layout and a nose that, unlike MPVs, sits very upright. Lower down, there are LED DRLs placed in the bumper as seen on the test mule. The MPV has a generous DLO with a window line that rises upwards. While the Kwid rides on 13-inch rims, expect Renault to upsize them to 14 or 15-inch units for the MPV.
Inside, the basic dashboard layout could be quite similar to the Kwid. Like the Captur and Kwid, the Renault RBC is expected to get a semi-digital instrument console. Renault's MediaNAV touchscreen AVN is likely to find a place in the centre console. Top-end variants of the Renault compact MPV may get features like automatic climate control with vents for all three rows.
It will be underpinned by the CMF-A+ platform, which has been derived from the Kwid's CMF-A platform. The wheelbase of the RBC will be longer than that of the Kwid. However, overall length will still be under 4 m in order to qualify as a small car. Unlike the Datsun GO+, which is a sub-4 m MPV as well, the RBC is likely to have a more spacious and usable third row.
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The launch of the Renault RBC could take place before the end of 2018 as the company has promised a new car every year. Keeping its sub-4 m dimensions in mind, the MPV is likely to rival base variants of the Maruti Ertiga and the upcoming Maruti Wagon R+ (7-seat Wagon R). It may be priced in the INR 6-8 lakhs (ex-showroom) space, which will make it an indirect rival to premium hatchbacks like the Maruti Baleno, Hyundai i20, and Ford Figo.
