Renault’s Sub-4m Sedan Will Take On The Maruti Suzuki Dzire In 2021

• The sedan is expected to be underpinned by the Triber MPV’s platform.
• A 1.0-litre Energy petrol motor is likely to be the only engine on offer.
• Like the Triber, the upcoming sedan could offer an AMT automatic option.

Renault has a sub-4m sedan in the works for India which could be launched in 2021. The sub-compact sedan is expected to be based on the Triber’s CMF-A platform and is likely to borrow its drivetrains from the MPV, too. Once launched, it will go up against the Hyundai Aura, Tata Tigor, Volkswagen Ameo, Ford Aspire, Maruti Suzuki Dzire, and Honda Amaze. It could be priced upwards of Rs 5.5 lakh (ex-showroom).

Little is known about the upcoming sedan’s styling, but we expect it to be proportional and well-thought-out like the Triber. Although the sub-4m length makes it difficult to accommodate a three-box design, practicality trumps aesthetic in this segment.

The sedan is likely to borrow some of its features from the Triber MPV. So it could get electrically adjustable door mirrors, keyless entry and push-button start, a digital instrument cluster, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Renault’s BS6 1.0-litre Energy naturally aspirated 3-cylinder petrol engine is likely to power the sub-compact sedan. In the Triber, it produces 76PS of power and 98Nm of torque. The engine is likely to be paired with a 5-speed transmission as standard and an automated manual transmission (AMT) option could also be offered.

The carmaker also has a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine up its sleeve which is likely to be offered in the Triber and the upcoming HBC sub-4m SUV. If Renault equips the sedan with this engine, it would be the only other carmaker to offer a turbo-petrol sub-4m sedan after the Aura.

This isn’t Renault’s first foray into the sedan segment in India. The Dacia-built Logan sedan wasn’t a resounding success for the carmaker, but Renault’s strategy with the Triber has been different. How the carmaker plans to make its sub-compact a value proposition in the cut-throat sub-4m sedan segment remains to be seen.