Although blacked-out, the Kardian's resemblance to the new Sandero is easily evident. Image: Renault
First mentioned in 2022 as heading for production this year aimed at the Volkswagen Taigo, Renault has commenced teasing the new crossover in question ahead of its world reveal in Brazil on 25 October.
Set to wear the Kardian name, the newcomer, which Renault describes as an “up-to-the-minute robust SUV”, has been designed specifically for developing markets with production on track to take place from the end of this year at São José dos Pinhais Plant in Rio de Janeiro.
Confirmed to measure 4.15 metres long overall, the rival for the Taigo, known as the Nivus in South America, eschews the sloping coupe-like bodystyle previously rumoured, for a conventional design resplendent with a dual-tone roof and bluff rear facia seemingly derived from the current European-market Citroën C3.
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Reportedly mirrored but not a re-developed version of the new Dacia Sandero Stepway no longer rebadged as a Renault outside Europe, the Kardian is expected to ride on the same CMF-B platform that also underpins the Clio and Captur, but with significant changes to suit market conditions relative to those of Old Continent.
Its links with the Sandero being most prominent at the front as depicted by the single blacked-out teaser showing a split headlight design plus the oversized new Renault diamond logo, the Kardian is expected to take-up station between the Kiger and Captur on size, but in South America, above the Kwid as a result of the former not being available.
Inside, the similarities with the Sandero are likely to continue in the design and layout of dashboard, as well as the centre console and spec depending on the trim level.
Also set to rival the Fiat Pulse, the Kardian’s range of powerunits, at present, is rumoured to only consist of the three-cylinder 1.0-litre turbocharged TCe engine which delivers 66 kW and 74 kW in the Sandero, the latter capable of running either on petrol or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
For South America though, the powerplant will be reconfigured to run on ethanol rather than LPG, which will result in a slight bump in power and torque.
Transmissions are likely to consist of a five-or-six-speed manual with a CVT expected to be the self-shifting option.
For now, it remains unknown as to whether the Kardian will be marketed in South Africa as a gap filler between the Kiger, priced from R229 999 to R339 999, and the Captur that retails from between R469 999 to R499 999.
Expect an eventual announcement to be made by Renault’s local division once the wraps come off in exactly three weeks’ time.
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