Renault's New Cars for India

Renault's Duster was an instant success for the French automaker in India and is still among the top-selling products in its line-up. However, Ford EcoSport and Nissan Terrano affected its sales and brought sales number to half of what it was doing earlier. So, for damage control and strengthening its position in the market, Renault is planning to launch facelifted model of the Duster and a couple of new products.

Of the products lined up for this year, the new Duster facelift will be the first one, expected to be launched in the second half of 2014. The company is also planning to launch the 4x4 version of the Duster, though there is no clarity on whether it will come this year or early 2015.

Aiming to mark its presence in the fast growing MPV segment, Renault might launch the all new Lodgy MPV by the year end. It will be pitted against the likes of Maruti Ertiga, Chevrolet Enjoy and upcoming Datsun GO+. Renault may also push its positioning closer to the Honda Mobilio. It will be a spacious and comfortable MPV for large families. Based on the Logan platform, on which the Duster, too, is built, the Lodgy will get the 1.5-litre K9K diesel engine that does duty in the Duster currently. Rumour has it, the new Renault Modus hatchback might also make its way to India. However, the company hasn't officially said anything on this.

And like we said in an earlier report, Renault-Nissan alliance is also working on a new 800cc engine powered small hatchback to take on the likes of Maruti Alto 800 and Hyundai Eon. However, the small car will not be launched before 2016.