Interior has seemingly in common with the Sandero or indeed any current European Renault model. Image: Renault
With less than two weeks to go before its world debut in Brazil, Renault has provided the clearest depiction yet of what to expect from the new Kardian by teasing its interior.
Reported to be a mirrored but not re-engineered version of the new Dacia Sandero optimised for South American market conditions, the Kardian will have an overall length of 4.15 metres and not adopt a coupe-like design as previously alleged.
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A change in bodystyle that will see it rival the Fiat Pulse rather than the Volkswagen Nivus, known as the Taigo in South Africa, the Kardian will introduce Renault’s current styling language to South America and have its assembly take place at the São José dos Pinhais Plant in Rio de Janeiro.
As the mentioned teaser indicates, the interior has little in common with that of the Sandero or even any other current Renault product sold in Europe.
Confirmed to receive ambient lighting as well as the Multi-Sense drive mode selector, the image not only reveals a freestanding infotainment display, but also an electronic gear shifter similar to that of the Captur, albeit in a design mirrored on the Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI.
Also noticed are physical dials for the climate control and switches on the steering wheel, an electronic handbrake and what appears to be a digital instrument cluster binnacle.
All but certain to be front-wheel-drive only in addition to riding on the CMF-B platform, the Kardian’s powertrain options are still shrouded in secrecy and only to be revealed once the wraps come off on 25 October.
Speculatively, only a single mill has so far been mulled as a possible option; the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged TCe from the Sandero and Clio that will either be matched to a CVT or a torque converter automatic as the presence of the e-shifter suggests.
Expect lower-end derivatives to either feature a five-or-six-speed manual as standard though.
Potentially earmarked for markets outside of South America, which could include South Africa and even Europe, the Kardian, for now, remains otherwise shrouded in mystery, though don’t be surprised if more teasers emerge within the coming days.
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