The buzz on the grapevine is that the Renault Sandero is heading to India. Since returning from Paris and the auto show, I have gained no further clue about the company’s plans. Renault’s is a typically Gallic, complex ‘marriage’ with Mahindra. As per the agreement, Mahindra Renault will build and sell the Logan in India. Only the Logan, mind you! Does the agreement pertain to that model alone or the lineage as well? Anyway, the Sandero will replace the Logan, goes the buzz.
Renault is evaluating the Sandero as well as Laguna sedan, the Megane sedan, hatch and even Sport variants as next car for the Indian market. The Sandero hatchback and sedan are both under consideration. The question is: Will Renault bring in the Sandero or will it be the Indo-French combine?
Renault is setting up a mega capacity plant in Chennai which will manufacture and assemble several models. Is the Sandero on the agenda?
The Sandero is manufactured by Dacia, a Renault-owned brand, at its Ayrton Senna plant in Brazil. But the hatchback is sold there and in Europe with a Renault badge. I had an opportunity to drive the Sandero at the Circuit of Mortefontaine near Paris.
The Sandero is certainly a far better looking car than the Logan, though I drove the hatchback version. At 4.02 metres in length, it’s two centimetres over the small compact excise exemption limit. The Sandero exudes far greater appeal than the Logan. There are no blunt edges, smooth curves and flowing lines being the cue instead. It’s no stunner but could certainly interest discerning Indians. Expect no design changes other than a badge swap a la the Logan, if and when the car reaches Indian shores.
|
