It has become increasingly becoming common for the global auto manufacturers to include India as one of the locations for their new product testing.
The Indian subcontinent can provide roads and climates of assorted variety and this helps gather a truck load of data on wide range of parameters.
There are few instances in the recent past where IAB readers spotted cars that have got nothing to do with India, at least not in the near future. The VW Golf, Mazda CX-5, Kia Picanto and the Citroen C4 Picasso are few examples of such cars. Sources inform us that the European version of the Ford Kuga SUV, was brought to India this year, for the purpose of fuel system testing.
Our sharp eyed reader Mr. Mohammad Uzair spotted one such test mule in Darya Ganj, Delhi. The car is the Renault Modus.
The Clio-based Renault Modus was launched in 2004 specifically for Europe and was restyled in 2008. Last year, sources told IAB that the Modus was in India as part of the worldwide validation for the next generation Modus. Validations were being conducted in India and seven other countries.
See more images of the Renault Modus testing in India
Renault will unveil the all-new Clio at the Paris Motor Show later this month, and is also testing a small crossover based on the same platform. The word in the internet media judges the camouflaged crossover as the replacement to the Modus.
The current Modus is a cordial of the Ritz and Wagon R, with a silver diamond on the hood. It is powered by the same 1.5 litre DCi diesel engine that propels Renault’s entire Indian portfolio except the Koleos.
The small car is exclusively manufactured in the Valladolid plant in Spain. Renault India has no intention of launching the Clio or the Modus in our country.
