Renault XBA Small Hatchback to be unveiled on May 20

Renault is about to launch a new global hatchback with its unveil in India on May 20 in front of a global audience. The new car, codenamed the XBA platform (not to confused with the Suzuki YBA small SUV platform), will be based on the Datsun Redi-Go concept that was showcased in India at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo.

The new car will feature running gear from the Datsun Go while giving it a more up-to-date design and a slightly taller stance. Expect the new Renault car to be bare basic motoring and to be available well under the Rs 3 lakh price considering the kind of cost cutting measures that are quite evident from the spy pictures seen here. For starters, just like the Nano, the car uses a three-bolt setup on its wheels as compared to a more conventional four-bolt setup.

The new Renault hatchback though will not take the route the Nano took for its low cost measures. The XBA will be a front engined car with front wheel drive. The XBA also looks much longer than the Nano which in turn will result in more space for its occupants. We also expect the XBA to come pre-built with areas for improvement especially in the safety aspects of things if they intend to sell the car in Europe and other countries with more stringent safety norms.

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Although the car will be globally unveiled on May 20 in India, the actual car will only be launched in India either by the end of the year or by early next year.  That said, judging from the eventual shift in sales from entry level hatchbacks to compact sedans and slightly larger hatchbacks, we think Renault should also concentrate on replacing the aging Pulse in India.