Renault’s two ‘new’ launches for India, revealed

While you’ll know that Renault will launch the Captur in October this year, the French automaker’s future plans for India have now been revealed. Going forward, Renault will launch a new vehicle every year. In 2018, we’ll have a brand new 7 seat MPV coming in. Code-named the RBC, this MPV is expected to take on the mighty Maruti Ertiga. In 2019, the all-new Duster SUV will arrive, replacing the current model.

RBC MPV

Although Renault launched the Lodgy MPV in India a couple of summers ago, the product has failed to take off in the Indian car market. The Ertiga and Innova have proven too strong for the Lodgy to displace. To take another stab at this segment, Renault will launch the RBC codenamed MPV.

This seven seater is expected to feature crossover cues, read a butch design with flared wheel arches and muscular styling, a-la-the Kwid. It’ll sit on the CMF-A platform, which is a low cost platform that also underpins the Kwid. So, a very competitive price is likely for the new vehicle. A sub-Duster positioning is where we expect the RBC to sit at.

All-new Duster

Renault’s recently revealed the all-new Duster, which is expected to be shown at the upcoming Delhi Auto Expo in 2018. However, it’s not until 2019 when the new SUV will be commercially launched in India. The new Duster retains the older one’s styling cues but looks much more fresher.

It’s said to be larger as well. This should translate into a roomier cabin, especially for the middle row passengers, who’re somewhat shortchanged in the current model. Engines and transmission options could remain unchanged for India, although Europe may get lower emission motors due to tighter norms.

The 1.5 liter K9K turbo diesel engine is expected to be the major powertrain for the Indian market. The petrol 1.5 liter motor could also continue unchanged. Both manual and automatic transmissions, and front wheel drive and all wheel drive layouts are likely on the new SUV.

Via ETAuto