Renault's Kayou (compact XBA hatchback) spied testing in Europe

In about a week Renault will unveil their new compact XBA hatchback globally. Just before its world premiere, the car has already been snapped testing in Europe. This implies that it will also go on sale in the European market but with a Dacia badge. The new entry-level car is named as Kayou and will make its debut at Chennai on May 20.

The Renault Kayou is the first hatchback to be based on the modular Renault-Nissan CMF-A platform and is expected to be inspired by the company’s global design language. The camouflaged test mule doesn't reveal many details, but the car will be compact in size and get 13- or 14-inch wheels. Being an entry-level hatchback, we do not expect much of the technological wizardries, but the feature list will be in line with the equipment from the cars in Renault's current portfolio.

The Kayou will be available only as a petrol variant. It is expected to be powered by an 800cc three-cylinder petrol mill mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. There might be another version which will feature an automated manual transmission variant as well.

The upcoming new Kayou hatchback will be manufactured at the Chennai production facility under the Renault-Nissan alliance. This car will get some changes for the European market and will be sold as a Dacia product. The car will only go sale in Europe after its Indian premiere.

Renault India released a promo teasing the upcoming hatchback quite recently and the car was spotted testing on Indian streets as well. The new entry-level model will be priced in the Rs 4-4.5 lakh range and will lock horns with the Maruti Alto 800 and Hyundai Eon when it goes on sale in India.

Images Source: Paultan