Renault is planning to launch its next-generation Clio based on Nissan’s V platform in the coming years, with the company only confirming that a ‘small entry-level car’ would be made at its upcoming Chennai plant in the future.

Since the V platform is also the basis for the Nissan Micra which will be launched in India by May this year, it provides Renault with a readymade base for the upcoming Clio hatch. This strategy will allow Renault to price the next Clio very competitively in our market and is expected to be the company’s volume seller here.

The French car maker has also announced plans to set up its own distribution network independent of current partner Mahindra. It will start selling the Fluence saloon and Koleos SUV from early 2011 at 15 new Renault dealerships that will be set up around India, while the slow-selling Logan saloon is expected to continue as a Mahindra-Renault product but with substantial upgrades. Renault says it is currently in discussions with Mahindra about the future of this model but confirms that it will continue to be sold here.