The Renault RBC was spied testing outside the
Alliance plant in Oragadam, courtesy Team-BHP reader Universal Mohan. The latest photographs provide a
much closer view of the RBC, revealing some new details. The MPV has a small
hood and extremely short overhangs. This indicates that Renault has developed
it giving usable space priority over the looks, such that it can make the cabin
as big as possible. The French automaker has opted for hinged
swing doors.
The Renault RBC will ride on a modified version of
the Renault Kwid’s platform, called ‘CMF-A+’. It will have a length of just
under 4,000 mm to attract the least amount of GST, and a wheelbase longer than
the Renault Kwid's (2,422 mm). The CMF-A+ platform may have some structural
reinforcements for more robustness.
The Kwid's 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol
engine (68 PS/91 Nm) would run out of breath easily in the RBC with a full
load. So, Renault could offer a turbocharged version of this three-cylinder
mill in the family hauler. The company doesn’t have a small capacity diesel
engine in its portfolio and anticipated demand for it likely won’t make the
development of a new unit economically feasible.
The Renault RBC will compete with sister brand
Datsun’s GO+, which will receive a facelift here this month. It will feature
driver airbag, reverse parking sensors, speed alert system and seatbelt
reminder for driver and front passenger as standard. Prices could start at
around INR 4.5 lakh (ex-showroom). Interestingly it appears as if
Maruti Suzuki has at the last minute pulled out of the sub-4m MPV race by
deciding against a 7-seat Maruti Wagon R.
