Renault India is pretty vocal about its India plans. One could view their entire product line up till 2012 on their website even before their first solo product – the Fluence was launched. We know that the next product is going to be an all new hatchback based on the V Platform which will makes its international debut in India.
There were many rumors about this new hatchback being the Grande Modus as it was spotted in Chennai doing some testing rounds. However, IAB viewers would know that Grande Modus is not going to be launched in India and was here only to complete some global tests.
After the launch of this V-Platform hatchback, Renault will launch the Duster which is going to be an urban SUV for the masses. So the next two cars are pretty much done and dusted (no pun intended).
Now, we come to the juicy part – the 3rd mystery product which is a mass market sedan from Renault. According to a Renault dealer, this mystery sedan will find its home between the Swift Dzire and VW Vento. According to Renault India, this product is a "surprise sedan." So is it going to be the Renault Symbol?
Sold in many markets as the Renault Thalia, the Symbol is not a new product from Renault. The current Symbol is a second generation car revealed at the Moscow Motor Show in August 2008. It uses an extended version of the Clio platform with a length of 4.26 metres and height of 1.43 metres.
The Symbol’s design language conveys a distinct robustness just like the Logan. The design is simple and pleasing to the eye. The front features slightly swept back head lamps with a huge chrome strip running over the grill. The rear design reminds us of the Chevrolet Sail spotted by our viewer here in India.
The functional and robust design philosophy has been carried over inside as well. The interiors are typical Renault interiors with squares, rectangles and lines dominating major portions of the dashboard. Once can easily see the Logan and Fluence connection in the interior design.
The Symbol is powered by 6 different engine options around the world. However, realistically speaking, only 2 are likely to make it to Indian shores. These are:
- 1.4 L petrol engine with 75 PS
- 1.5 L diesel engine with 64.9 PS
Both these engines will be mated to a manual 5 speed transmission.
Renault Symbol will directly compete against Swift Dzire, Volkswagen Vento, Ford Fiesta, Tata Manza, Fiat Linea and Maruti Suzuki SX4.
Now our second guess is the next generation Logan which is taking shape rapidly. The next gen Logan (code - X57) is a grown up car and according to Dacia will shed the bare-bones outfit. The Logan will be a premium sedan with the same diesel engine and lowered emissions. It is expected to debut next year and could follow the Duster into India.
So if you had to suggest a price to Renault India for the either of these sedans, what would it be?
