Renault XBA to be unveiled on May 20 in India, to get crossover-like styling - IAB Report

Will be powered by an all-new petrol engine. 

Renault will stage the world premiere of its all-new compact car in India next month. Codenamed 'XBA', this small hatchback will be a global model with a sub-4 lakhs pricetag, Renault India's MD and CEO, Mr. Sumit Sawhney, confirmed to Indian Autos Blog.

The unveiling, which is set to take place on May 20, will likely see Renault Nissan's CEO, Carlos Ghosn, reveal the car to the media.

Renault India's design center has played a "significant role" in bringing the XBA project to life, Mr. Sawhney told Indian Autos Blog. Based on an all-new, modular platform called CMF-A, the XBA will rival the likes of the Maruti Alto 800 and Hyundai Eon.

Unlike its rivals, the XBA is reported to feature a few design cues usually seen in crossovers, like large wheel arches and more-than-sufficient ground clearance. It will be powered by an all-new 800 cc three-cylinder petrol engine paired to manual and automated manual transmissions. Codenamed BR-8, the same engine will be offered with a flex-fuel feature (petrol and ethanol) for the South American market.

Also read: Renault Lodgy Review

Renault India acknowledges that the XBA will be its third sales generator after the Duster and Lodgy utility vehicles. The French brand is aiming to increase its market share from 2 to 5 percent in the coming years.

Rivals: Maruti Alto, Hyundai Eon, Chevrolet Spark, Datsun redi-Go
Expected Price: INR 3-4 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date: May 20, 2015 (unveiling)