IA Design from Indonesia has released a
rendering of the Renault RBC (Renault Compact MPV). The vehicle was spotted
testing for the first time earlier this month in Gudalur, Tamil Nadu, and is
expected to make its debut towards the end of 2018.
The rather crude rendering of the
Renault RBC features the company's signature grille design with horizontal
chrome louvers and trapezoidal air inlets in the bumper. The render misses out
on LED DRLs that can be seen very clearly in the MPV's spy shots. It gets roof
rails, and wheel arch cladding for a crossover feel. Compared to the Renault
Kwid's 13-inch rims, the sub-4 m MPV rides on bigger wheels.
Known only by its codename presently,
the Renault RBC will be based on the CMF-A+ platform, a stretched and widened
CMF-A that underlies the Renault Kwid and the Datsun rediGo. Its wheelbase will
be longer, but overall length will be just under 4 m.
The dashboard design could follow the
same approach as the Kwid. Expect features like a centrally mounted MediaNAV
infotainment touchscreen and analog-digital instrument console. AC vents for
second and third row occupants are likely to be present. In view of new safety
regulations applicable from October 2019, Airbags, ABS, and rear parking
sensors are likely to be standard across all grades.
According to a recent report, the
Renault RBC will not receive a diesel engine. It could feature a turbocharged
version of the Kwid's 1.0 L SCe petrol engine to output over 80 hp. An
automatic variant equipped with an AMT may be on the cards as well.
As per estimates, the starting price of
the Renault RBC could be in the INR 6 lakhs (ex-showroom) region. This will
position it below the Maruti Ertiga, whose entry and mid-level grades could
turn out to be rivals of the top-end Renault MPV. The 7-seat Wagon R MPV
variant planned for late 2018 would be a direct rival.
