7 New cars for India from Renault: What They Are
The Renault Group recently unveiled its new “FutuREady India” strategy, and as part of these plans, the brand aims to grow aggressively in India by introducing new and exciting products while also promoting India as a key hub for global operations. As part of this strategy, Renault plans to bring several new products to our market. Here is a list of seven such cars that Renault is expected to launch in India soon.
The first on this list is a seven-seater SUV from Renault, which is being called the Boreal internationally. It is based on the same platform as the Duster but features a longer wheelbase and is both longer and wider than the Duster.
It comes with a fresh exterior design and doesn’t resemble the Duster at all. However, the cabin might look somewhat similar, as it is expected to feature a driver-centric touchscreen and a fully digital instrument cluster with a similar colour theme. Internationally, the Boreal is a 5-seater SUV, but in India, it is expected to be offered as a 7-seater. This means boot space with all three rows up will be limited.
It will be powered by the same 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine, paired with a 6-speed manual and a DCT gearbox, generating 163 PS and 280 Nm of torque.
As part of this strategy, Renault also aims to improve its mass-segment models like the Triber. Renault showcased its RGEP (Renault Group Entry Platform), and during the unveiling, the company mentioned that the MPV will soon get the much-awaited turbo petrol engine. This will be the same engine seen on the Kiger, producing 100 PS and 160 Nm of torque.
Along with the new platform, the Triber will also get a brand-new underbody CNG cylinder setup. This will allow the manufacturer to offer factory-fitted CNG without compromising boot space. The CNG setup is expected to be paired with the turbo petrol engine.
Like the Triber, Renault will replace the current CMF-A platform with the new RGEP in the Kiger as well. This means it will continue to offer the same 1.0-litre naturally aspirated and 1.0-litre turbo petrol engines, along with manual, AMT, and CVT gearbox options.
It will also get a twin-cylinder underbody CNG tank setup. Just like the Triber, the Kiger is expected to offer this configuration with the turbo petrol engine. Currently, Renault and Nissan offer CNG kits at the dealership level rather than as factory-fitted options.
Renault is set to enter the sub-4-metre SUV segment with the Bridger concept SUV, which was showcased a few months ago. The Bridger is based on the R-GMP architecture, derived from the CMF-B platform, and has been developed by Renault India’s engineering and R&D team.
Renault is aiming for a design that appears compact on the outside but offers a spacious cabin inside. It is expected to be offered with a 1.0-litre turbo petrol and a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, along with strong hybrid systems.
Renault is developing the Bridger as a true multi-energy vehicle. This means the upcoming SUV will be offered with petrol, hybrid, and EV powertrains. In the future, an electric version of the Bridger is also expected to arrive in the Indian market.
It is likely to rival models like the Tata Punch EV, Mahindra XUV 3XO EV, Tata Nexon EV, and possibly the upcoming Hyundai Venue EV, which was recently spotted testing.
Renault has already launched the Duster in the market, and deliveries have begun. While Renault has started accepting bookings for the hybrid version, it has not been officially launched yet. The official launch of the Duster Hybrid is expected around the festive season this year.
It is expected to feature one of the most efficient hybrid systems in the segment, allowing the SUV to run in EV mode for up to 80 percent of city driving. It will likely use a 1.8-litre petrol engine paired with a strong hybrid system, producing a combined output of around 160 bhp.
Renault is expected to follow a similar strategy for the Boreal as it did with the Duster. The turbo petrol version will be launched first, followed by the hybrid version after around six months.
The Boreal Hybrid is expected to use the same 1.8-litre petrol engine paired with a strong hybrid system as the Duster, delivering similar power and torque figures.