Renault HBC Subcompact SUV To Launch In India In 2020

The Indian subcompact SUV segment is getting increasingly competitive in recent times with automakers either upgrading their existing models or introducing new ones to the market. While Hyundai is preparing to launch the Venue next month, Renault has also been quietly developing a sub-4-metre compact SUV, codenamed as the “HBC”, for India.

Renault is reported to be developing the HBC subcompact SUV for India.

[Image for representational purpose only]

The HBC has been rumoured to be in the pipeline since 2016. Recently, Renault India’s new Managing Director, Venkatram Mamillapalle, has officially confirmed about the launch of this small SUV in India by 2020. He stated that,

“We need to have double the share by 2022 with a proper line up (of products) with RBC (Triber) this year and HBC next year.”

Expected to be the final member of the Kwid family after the Triber, the HBC is likely to have a unique design and not merely look like a larger Kwid. To effectively compete against Hyundai Venue, Renault is expected to introduce the Renault Easy Connect technology on the India-bound SUV. It is likely to be equipped with a wide range of top-notch features such as DRLs, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and automatic temperature control.  Furthermore, as the sunroof is becoming a popular feature on SUVs and is available on the direct competitors like the Mahindra XUV300, the Ford EcoSport and the Honda WR-V, this feature could be even offered on the HBC.

The Renault HBC is expected to come with a wide range of top-notch features.

[Image source: indianautosblog.com]

Also read - Production Renault Kwid EV Exterior Revealed

Underpinned by the same CMF-A platform as the Triber, the Renault HBC will be less than 4,000 mm long to get as much tax benefit as possible. It is anticipated to receive its power from a 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder petrol motor that will be borrowed from the Triber. Also, the popular 1.5-litre K9K diesel motor could also be made available. Both of these two engines will be BS-VI compliant. The transmission duties are likely to be undertaken by a standard MT gearbox and an optional AMT. Between the Triber and the HBC, there will be two models from Renault for the Indian auto market: the facelifted Kwid and the new Duster. 

Also read 

2020 Facelifted Renault Duster Spotted Testing In India

2020 Renault Duster Spied Again, New Details Revealed in Latest Spy Images

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