The Renault RBC was spied testing outside the Alliance plant in Oragadam, courtesy Team-BHP reader Universal Mohan.
The latest photographs provide a much closer view of the RBC, revealing some new details. The MPV has a small hood and extremely short overhangs. This indicates that Renault has developed it giving usable space priority over the looks, such that it can make the cabin as big as possible. As expected, the French automaker has opted for hinged swing doors. The sliding door system has not worked for any company but Maruti Suzuki.
The Renault RBC will ride on a modified version of the Renault Kwid’s platform, called ‘CMF-A+’. It will have a length of just under 4,000 mm to attract the least amount of GST, and a wheelbase longer than the Renault Kwid's (2,422 mm). The CMF-A+ platform may have some structural reinforcements for more robustness.
The Kwid's 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (68 PS/91 Nm) would run out of breath easily in the RBC with a full load. So, Renault could offer a turbocharged version of this three-cylinder mill in the family hauler. The company doesn’t have a small capacity diesel engine in its portfolio and anticipated demand for it likely won’t make the development of a new unit economically feasible.
Also Read: Can a Renault Captur facelift give new energy to the crossover’s sales in India?
The Renault RBC will compete with sister brand Datsun’s GO+, which will receive a facelift here this month. It will feature driver airbag, reverse parking sensors, speed alert system and seatbelt reminder for driver and front passenger as standard. Prices could start at around INR 4.5 lakh (ex-showroom).
Interestingly it appears as if Maruti Suzuki has at the last minute pulled out of the sub-4m MPV race by deciding against a 7-seat Maruti Wagon R.
[Image Source: team-bhp.com]
