Renault’s future road map for the Indian market consists of active efforts to gain traction in the SUV space. The manufacturer is known to launch the all-new Duster here in the coming years. It is also expected to bring a 7-seater version of the SUV sooner or later. A digital render of the 7-seater Duster has now surfaced, giving out more details on what is to be expected. The product aligns with the manufacturer’s global strategy of making a shift to larger, more refined products. In the Indian portfolio, it could become the flagship, sitting above the 5-seater Duster.
Conclusions from recent spy shots form the base for this render. What it would be called upon launch, remains unknown. What we do know is that Renault has internally named it Project 1312.
Some reports suggest that the manufacturer could call it Boreal in markets like Brazil. It would then allow for a correlation with the European Austral. In India, however, a name that involves or stands close to ‘Duster’ remains the most probable.
7-seater Duster: Possible Design Details
According to the render, the SUV will borrow design inspirations from multiple Renault models. Previously, many rumours had suggested that the product will have a coupe body style. The latest spy pictures have confirmed these to be mere rumours. The vehicle will have a proper SUV body style. Clearly, there are cues taken from the Dacia Bigster concept. It could have similar proportions and dimensions, comfortably accommodating the third row.
The front design of the Renault 1312 will have cues borrowed from the Symbioz SUV and the Niagara concept. It will look premium and upmarket. Key features to be expected are modern headlamps, a new grille, fresh-looking fog lamps and Bigster-like rear door handles. The Duster 7-seater will also be based on the RGMP platform.
The cabin will look and feel premium. Features like a large digital instrument cluster (possibly spanning more than 10 inches), infotainment unit, ADAS, panoramic sunroof etc are to be expected. The ADAS suite will have features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist.
The 3-row SUV is expected to debut a new Blue exterior colourway and come with Blue suede accents inside the cabin, to make it further unique.
Possible Rivals And Competition In India
This 7-seater Renault SUV will compete with the Jeep Compass and Toyota Corolla Cross in markets like Brazil. In India, however, the 3-row SUV space has rising footfalls. There are several strong contenders in the space- like the Tata Safari ( which arguably has the best third row) and Mahindra XUV 700.
The Safari is a diesel-only product, while the XUV700 offers both petrol and diesel powertrain options. The petrol engine here is a 2.0L turbocharged unit and isn’t thus too frugal. The 7-seater Duster will be powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged direct injection flex-fuel engine that produces 170 hp. It will come have a DCT gearbox and a 48V mild-hybrid tech. The vehicle will have independent rear electric motors, for enabling AWD.
The 7-seater SUV will also face competition from the likes of Hyundai Alcazar and Kia Carens. The new Alcazar is available with 1.5 TGDI turbocharged petrol engine and the familiar 1.5 U2 diesel engine. The Carens, on the other hand, comes with three engines- 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, 160 PS 1.5-liter turbo petrol, and 1.5-liter diesel engine making 116 PS.
Source: quatrorodas
