Renault Boreal: 7-Seater SUV Launching In India By 2027

Renault, the renowned French automobile manufacturer, is gearing up to strengthen its foothold in the Indian market. The company recently announced its new 7-seater SUV, Renault Boreal, which will be a larger and enhanced version of the popular Duster. This new vehicle promises not only a stunning combination of style and space but also family-friendly features tailored for Indian roads. In this article, let’s dive deep into the Renault Boreal—its design, features, engine options, launch timeline, and its potential in the Indian market.

Renault Boreal:

The Renault Boreal is a 7-seater SUV being developed based on the hugely successful Duster. It will be built on the CMF-B platform, a versatile architecture used in several Renault and Nissan models. With a length exceeding 4.6 meters, the Boreal will be significantly larger and more spacious than the Duster. The SUV is slated for a global launch in 2026, followed by its debut in India by 2027.

Designed with Indian families in mind, the Renault Boreal will feature third-row seating, a premium interior, and advanced technology, positioning it as a strong contender against models like the Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, and Mahindra XUV700.

What’s the Connection Between Renault Boreal and Duster?

The Renault Boreal is being dubbed “Duster’s big brother,” and the moniker fits perfectly. Essentially an extended version of the Duster, the Boreal will share several similarities but carve out its own distinct identity. While the Duster is a compact 5-seater SUV, the Boreal will boast a longer wheelbase and a 7-seat configuration, making it ideal for larger families and long journeys.

Like the Duster, the Boreal will retain a rugged look, robust build quality, and off-road capability, but it will take things up a notch with premium features and hybrid technology.

Key Features of Renault Boreal

The Renault Boreal will be an SUV that blends style, technology, and performance seamlessly. Let’s explore its standout features in detail:

1. Bold and Muscular Design

Drawing inspiration from the Duster, the Boreal’s design will be more modern and striking. Key design elements include:

Y-shaped LED headlights and taillights: A new signature look for Renault’s upcoming vehicles.
Floating roof design: Blacked-out pillars for a premium touch.
Rugged bumpers and skid plates: Ready for off-road adventures.
17- to 19-inch alloy wheels: Available across different variants.
Roof rails and rear spoiler: Combining style with practicality.

2. Premium and Tech-Savvy Interior

The Boreal’s interior is crafted to meet family needs, offering:

10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system: With Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.
7-inch digital driver display: For easy access to driving information.
Ventilated front seats: Comfort in hot weather.
Wireless charging: A must-have for modern lifestyles.
6-speaker sound system: Delivering a rich audio experience.

The third-row seating will accommodate seven passengers, though boot space may be limited when the third row is in use.

3. Powerful Engine Options

The Renault Boreal is expected to offer multiple engine choices, catering to both Indian and global markets:

1.2-liter turbo petrol engine: Balancing performance and fuel efficiency.
1.6-liter hybrid: Available in mild and strong hybrid variants for better mileage and lower emissions.

Given the demand for diesel engines in India, Renault might surprise us with a diesel option, though no official confirmation has been made yet.

4. Advanced Safety Features

Safety will be a priority for the Boreal, with features like:

360-degree camera: Simplifying parking and maneuvering.
Multiple airbags: Ensuring passenger safety.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC): For enhanced control.
Potential Level 2 ADAS: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems like lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control in global models.

In India, ADAS features might be limited to top variants, but they’ll bolster its premium appeal.

Renault Boreal’s Launch Timeline in India

Renault plans to introduce the Boreal to the global market in 2026, with its India launch expected by 2027. This gap is likely due to localization efforts to keep the price competitive for the Indian market. Production could take place at Renault’s Chennai plant, where the company already manufactures its vehicles.

Renault’s Big Plans for India

Renault considers India a key market and is preparing to solidify its presence over the next few years. The company has announced plans to launch five new models, including:

New Duster: Expected by late 2024.
5-seater compact SUV: Targeting the affordable segment.
7-seater Boreal: Aiming at the family SUV segment.
Electric Vehicle (EV): Meeting future demand.
Surprise Model: Still under wraps but generating buzz.

Additionally, Renault has opened a new design center in Chennai to develop vehicles tailored to Indian customers’ preferences and needs, further strengthening its localization strategy.

Renault Boreal’s Competition

The 7-seater SUV segment in India is already highly competitive. The Renault Boreal will face off against:

Hyundai Alcazar: Known for premium features and strong brand value.
Tata Safari: Celebrated for rugged design and safety.
MG Hector Plus: Boasting a large infotainment system and connected features.
Mahindra XUV700: A stellar mix of price, features, and performance.

To stand out, Renault will need to price the Boreal competitively and leverage its strengths effectively.

Will Renault Boreal Be a Hit in India?

The Renault Boreal has everything an Indian family could want—more seats, premium features, rugged design, and advanced technology. With the Duster already a well-known name in India, the Boreal can build on that legacy. If Renault launches it in the ₹15-20 lakh price range, it could become a game-changer in the mid-size SUV segment.

However, challenges remain. Hybrid vehicles are still gaining traction in India, requiring strong marketing efforts from Renault. Additionally, the company’s service network and after-sales support will play a crucial role in its success.

Conclusion

The Renault Boreal is a 7-seater SUV that promises an impressive blend of style, space, and technology. Building on the Duster’s success, it could emerge as an attractive option for Indian families. With its launch by 2027, Renault is on track to reinforce its position in India.

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