India-Bound 7 Seat Renault Boreal: What It could Look Like
Renault has two promising launches in the pipeline for India- the all-new Duster and a 7-seater version of it which would be called the Boreal when launched. Both these are expected to be decisive in the company's future here. The Boreal will be presented in the Brazilian market on July 10.
QUATRO RODAS has now made a rendering based on information and cues from the recent spy shots. The Boreal is expected to stand close to the Dacia Bigster in its styling. Renault is expected to use learnings from its budget sub-brand- Dacia to keep the costs under check while still maintaining the quality levels and premiumness in design.
Renault Boreal: What It Could Look Like
The design will likely borrow design elements from Renault's European cars and the Niagra truck concept. The headlamps will have a new shape and will come with DRLs. Spy shots suggest that the daytime running lamps could feature a Y-shaped design. The vehicle will have a tall, upright stance.
The rear will likely have thinner tail lights and sharp bodylines. The overall design will stand close to that of the Bigster. The rear door handles will be placed on the C-pillar. The front bumper will get a massive air dam and the grille will get a new design as well.
The Boreal will be larger than the new Duster. It will likely ride on 18-inch wheels and have chunky wheel arches. The SUV will have good ground clearance and a long wheelbase.
Interior & Features
The cabin design will likely have a lot in common with that of the Duster. It will be simple yet futuristic. The feature list could have a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 7-inch digital instrument gauge cluster, a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats with premium upholstery, a sunroof, and ADAS Level 2.
Specifications
The Boreal will be underpinned by Renault's new RGMP platform. This is in fact, an evolution of the CMF-B chassis. On the powertrain front, the India-spec is expected to get a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine making 128 hp. In many global markets, the vehicle will also have a 1.3 turboflex engine (sourced from the Duster), and even a 48V mild hybrid (MHEV) powertrain. No diesel engine will be offered on the Boreal though.
Safety Rating
In crash tests conducted by Euro NCAP, the Dacia Bigster scored a three-star rating. It scored 69% in adult protection (27.70 points out of 40) and 85% in child occupant protection (42 points out of 49).
What's With The Name?
Renault says that the Boreal has been designed for outdoor adventures, and the name is a nod to the same DNA. It derives from the Latin word 'Borealis' which means 'Northern Winds'. The manufacturer says that the name also has roots in the word 'Boreas'- the Greek God of wind. It is further said to resonate with the polar aruroras as well.
India Launch: Expected Price, Rivals And More
In the Indian market, the Boreal will face competition from products like the Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV 700 and MG Hector Plus. The 3-row segment is now witnessing good traction here.
Renault is expected to launch the Boreal in 70 key markets including India. In Brazil, one of the first to get the SUV, it will compete with the likes of the Jeep Compass, Toyota Corolla Cross, Volkswagen Taos and various Chinese hybrids.