Renault and Nissan share the same plant in
Chennai to manufacture their cars for the Indian car market. The two
automakers have a global joint-venture to share their technology as
well. Renault now plans to launch a new small car, which will be based
on the Micra platform.
Design:
The new Renault small
car will be based on the Micra platform and so the car will have the
same underpinnings which is basically struts for the front and torsion
beam at the rear. The Renault small car will be more aggressive in terms
of styling when compared to the Nissan Micra.
Engine:
The
new Renault small car, will be powered by the same three pot 1.2-litre
petrol engine which does duty on the Nissan Micra. Even though, this
engine has three cylinders, the NVH levels are low especially while
idling – which is generally the issue with most of the three cylinder
engines as the vibration levels are higher due to balance issues. These
new engine blocks are now machined by a method called bore circularity
which has helped reduce friction by 20% if compared to a conventional
four-cylinder engine. This helps to increase the power output, fuel
efficiency and even the life of the engine; which in short makes the
engine rev freely while making it quicker and reliable too.
Features:
The
Renault small car is built with the qualities of the Nissan Micra. The
feature will feature most of the features of a premium hatchback. This
should include safety features like airbags and other important features
which are included in most of the premium hatchbacks.
Competitors:
The
new Renault small car will compete with the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Rtiz;
Hyundai i20, Skoda Fabia, Fiat Grande Punto, Volkswagen Polo, Chevrolet
Beat, Ford Figo and its sibling Nissan Micra.
Overall Evaluation:
The
new Renault small car will priced a notch higher than the Nissan Micra,
and Renault is trying to establish itself as a premium brand in India.
So, the start will be a bit difficult for the French manufacturer, and
it will boil down to the build quality and service network which Renault
will provide to its customers.
Specs (Speculated)
Engine: 1.2-litre, three cylinder petrol engine
Power: 75bhp
CarWale's Words: Depends on the dealership network of Renault.
