Renault's New Small Car to Make its Global Debut in India Next Month

Renault India rolled out its first multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) - the Lodgy - in India earlier this month, and the company is now planning to launch an 800cc small car to take on Maruti Alto 800 and Hyundai Eon. Interestingly, it will be the first Renault car to make its global debut in India. Carlon Ghosn, CEO of both Nissan and Renault, will be at the unveiling that is scheduled to take place on May 20, 2015.

This new hatchback will be based on the all-new CMF-A platform that has been jointly developed by Renault and Nissan. Additionally, the car's engine, a new 800cc 3-cylinder petrol, has also been co-developed by both the two companies. A similar engine will also power Datsun's upcoming budget hatchback.

Though both the small cars are likely to share parts and components, they will have completely different designs since the alliance is no more interested in introducing simply re-badged products. One must note that this Renault hatchback will be a global product, thus, after India, it will also be launched in emerging markets like South Africa and Brazil.

Besides this small car, Renault might also launch a sub-compact SUV and the facelifted models of its existing products though the company hasn't officially said anything about other products.