KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Renault Boreal spied testing in Indian Himalayas
- 7 seater version of the Renault Duster
- Launch likely next year with a range of powertrain options including hybrid
Renault has officially revealed the production version of the highly anticipated Boreal SUV, which is expected to launch in India sometime next year. Positioned as a seven-seater counterpart to the Duster, the Boreal, Renault's version of the Dacia Bigster, has been undergoing extensive testing in the country. Recently, the same has been sighted with camouflaged prototype in the Himalayas generating significant attention, and the Boreal's design and specifications are now coming into sharper focus which we will be covering in this section, but before moving ahead, make sure to join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Group community of petrolheads to never miss out on any updates from the automotive world.
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Distinctive Design and Premium Appeal
The Renault Boreal is poised to be a more aesthetically refined and premium offering compared to the Dacia Bigster, despite sharing core mechanicals and proportions. While Dacia is Renault's sub-brand, the Boreal has been styled with sophisticated visual flair. Key exterior elements include sleek LED headlamps, a distinctive grille design, and a front bumper featuring a large air intake and integrated fog lamps. Although the test mule finds itself neatlt tucked under a heavy veil, the parallels can be easily drawn with the recently revealed official images of the Boreal SUV. The SUV also incorporates a full-width gloss black trim at the front and a front skid plate. In profile, the Boreal boasts clean lines, rugged body cladding, and squarish wheel arches housing 19-inch alloy wheels. Unique styling cues include rear door handles integrated into the C-pillar and a distinctively shaped quarter glass.
Rugged Interiors and Advanced Features
The Boreal promises an upmarket cabin experience, albeit with its typical rugged interiors and hard plastics, with a modern layout and an expansive feature list. While the video snippet showcases just a faint image with a DC badging seen on the inside, it already has some hints on what is about to come. The interior will feature a flat-bottomed, multi-function steering wheel and dual digital screens, contributing to a high-tech ambiance. Passengers can anticipate a comfortable ride with features such as a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and ventilated front seats. Convenience is enhanced by wireless phone charging and an electric parking brake (EPB). Furthermore, the Boreal is expected to offer a premium Harman Kardon audio system and a Level 2 ADAS suite, which will include advanced driver assistance features, boosting safety and convenience. The vehicle is also likely to offer five drive modes, making the drive experience a lot more intuitive.
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Powertrain: Hybrid On Cards
In India, Renault is expected to offer a range of engine options for the Boreal. The SUV will likely be offered with a 1.3-liter, 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine. Additionally, a strong hybrid powertrain is anticipated, which is rumored to combine the 1.3-liter turbo petrol engine with a 1.4kWh battery and dual electric motors, producing a combined output of around 155 bhp. However, final powertrain specifications are expected closer to the launch.
As for the launch, it will debut first in Brazil this year, with multiple international markets following up. For India, it could very well launch here by next year, also in a bid to revive and propel the overall brand sales.
Verdict
While the brand is launching the 7-seater Duster named Boreal in India, a revival plan, in my opinion should have kicked-off with the Duster nameplate, considering the emotion it still evokes when brought into discussions. However, it also remains a mystery if and when the 5-seater version with the Duster tag debuts which will also be of great interest for potential buyers. As for the SUV itself, the design looks imposing, something Indians love on the road, while the powertrain options and the features look promising on paper. It would be intersting to see how quickly it retains its once top ranking spot in the segment, which in present times, is an aim of a lot of contenders in the class.
