Renault starts teasing new SUV confirmed to be called Boreal

Set to only go on sale in 2027, but confirmed to debut before the end of this year, Renault has released the first teaser image confirming the name of a new C-segment SUV.

Part of what it terms its International Game Plan 2027, the newcomer will adopt the Boreal nameplate Renault says “encapsulates the values that the SUV stands for: technology, status and comfort”.

Renault’s Bigster?

While the brief statement released on Monday doesn’t provide any further details, apart from the Boreal bowing in Brazil “in the coming months” and then being distributed in 70 markets, speculation is that it will be Renault’s version of the Dacia Bigster known to be in the pipeline for South Africa.

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This, according to carscoops.com, which claims the choice of name comes from the Latin word for north wind, while also referring to the god of wind in Greek mythology, Boreas.

Same engines

If it is indeed the rebadged Bigster, itself the extended version of the new Duster, the Boreal will have the same dimensions as its Dacia sibling and choice of engines; the mild-hybrid 1.2 TCe 130 that produces 96 kW, the mild-hybrid 1.2-litre Eco-G that makes 103 kW, and the 1.2 TCe 140 that develops 140 pferdestarke (PS) or 103 kW.

Completing the range of engines is the Hybrid 155 that combines the normally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 1.4-kWh battery pack and a pair of electric motors for a total output of 155 PS or 114 kW.

The arrival of the Boreal will have a further knock-on effect as it will additionally become a third model under Renault alliance partner Nissan, which will be assembled at the Chennai Plant in India from 2026.

A move also involving the Duster, which could revive the Terrano name for a second time, the Indian-market Boreal will, reportedly, have seven-seats so as not to overlap with the five-seat Duster.

South Africa has expressed interest

Given Renault South Africa hinting last year about its take on the Bigster possibly debuting in 2026 or 2027 on local soil, expect clearer details about the Boreal to be significant over the next few months.

As a reminder, the South African-spec Duster offers a choice of two power units: the mild-hybrid 1.2 TCe 130 that replaces the much loved 1.5 dCi turbodiesel, and the market unique, Daimler co-developed 1.3 TCe lifted from the Captur that cranks out 113 kW.

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