Renault India is set to move the Triber, Kwid and Kiger to an updated and rebranded version of its ageing CMF-A or Common Module Family architecture, called the Renault Group Entry Platform (RGEP). The new platform will support multiple powertrains, including petrol and factory-fitted CNG, the latter of which none of these models currently offer. The carmaker does offer CNG kits with these cars but only as a dealer-level retrofitment.
- RGEP-based Triber will offer turbo-petrol engine option, dual-cylinder CNG setup
- Kiger to add a turbo-petrol-CNG powertrain option
With this, Renault aims to strengthen its presence in the sub-Rs 10 lakh price bracket and widen the appeal of its cars. “This evolution [part of the company’s new futuREady India plan] will start coming to life in the coming months through upgrades to our existing products,” Renault India CEO Stephane Deblaise said. The shift was prompted by the demand for more technology, better connectivity and greater flexibility, Deblaise added.
Turbo-petrol-CNG Triber and Kiger in the works
RGEP will form the base of Renault’s India strategy for entry-level models. So far, packaging challenges have prevented the fitment of the Kiger’s 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine (HR10) on the Triber, which has been soldiering on with its underpowered NA petrol engine since its 2019 launch. But with the upgraded platform, those limitations are understood to have been addressed.
As a result, the Triber is set to benefit not only from a turbo-petrol engine option but also from a factory-fitted CNG kit with a dual-cylinder setup placed under the floor, which should liberate boot space. Similar updates are likely to extend to the Triber-based Nissan Gravite. A factory-fitted CNG option will also be available with the Kiger, making it the second compact SUV after the Tata Nexon to offer this choice with a turbo-petrol engine.
RGMP to underpin electric and hybrid models
The larger Renault Global Modular Platform (RGMP) will be used for models with electric and hybrid powertrains, along with ICE-powered vehicles. For instance, the India-spec Renault Duster is already underpinned by the RGMP architecture, and it will add a strong hybrid powertrain by Diwali. Even the upcoming Bridger-based compact SUV will use the same base.
Renault eyeing 5 percent market share by end of 2030
For Renault, the success of the RGEP will be key. The company is looking to scale up volumes in India and target a 5 percent market share by 2030, with the affordable segment expected to drive most of that growth. It is also pushing for localisation levels of up to 90 percent to keep costs in check and reduce exposure to global supply chain disruptions.
By the end of the decade, Renault plans to expand its India line-up from four models to seven. At the same time, India is being positioned as a key export hub, with the brand looking to tap into its local manufacturing and engineering capabilities for global programmes.
With inputs from Ketan Thakkar, Mugdha Mishra and Prerna Lidhoo.