Renault Boreal 7-Seater SUV Based on Duster Confirmed - India Launch in 2026

Renault Boreal is the name of the upcoming 7-seater SUV based on the third generation Duster SUV. It will first launch in the Latin America, followed by 70 other countries including India. 

It is no secret that Renault will launch a new 7-seater SUV in India. The company has now confirmed that the upcoming 3-row SUV will be called the Renault Boreal. Based on the third-gen Duster, the new Boreal will make global debut in the next few months. The Renault Boreal is most likely to be the re-badged version of the Dacia Bigster SUV. 

Renault Boreal Launch Details

The new 7-seater Boreal SUV will first launch in the Latin American market. It will mainly target over 70 non European markets, including India. The new Renault Boreal will be launched in our market in the second half of 2026, and a possible India debut in early next year can’t be ignored. 

Boreal Meaning

Renault claims that the ‘Boreal’ name is derived from Boreas - the god of the wind in Greek mythology. Adding to it, the name inspiration comes from the Latin term ‘borealis’ boreas, which refers to “north wind”. In an official statement, Renault claims that it has 3 categories of names - Saga, Icon and New.  And, the Boreal comes under the New names category. 

What to Expect?

The Boreal is basically a 3-row version of the Dacia Bigster SUV, which is on sale in select European markets. The 7-seater SUV will be sold in markets where Dacia is not present. Renault has not revealed the launch timeline, interior, exterior and features of the SUV, but it is most likely to share the styling and other components with the Duster. 

The SUV will be based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF-B modular platform that underpins the Dacia Bigster and new-get Duster. The Bigster measures 4.57 meters long and has a wheelbase of 2.74 meters. The 7-seater Renault Boreal could be slightly longer to accommodate third-row passenger seat. The French automaker will utilise the boot space to create more space in third row. 

Engine Options

The India-spec Renault Boreal is likely to be powered by a 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine, which will also power the new-get Duster and Nissan’s upcoming mid-sized SUVs. Paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, the turbo petrol engine produces 151bhp and 250Nm of torque. 

Renault India is also planning to launch hybrid versions of the third-gen Duster and Boreal SUVs. The SUV could get a 94bhp, 1.6L NA petrol engine benefitted with a strong hybrid tech comprising a 49bhp electric motor, a high voltage starter generator, and a 1.2kWh battery pack. The combined power output stands at 140bhp. 

Renault Boreal - Expected Features

The new Boreal will be more premium and feature-loaded than the previous Renault SUVs and cars in India. It is likely to be packed with a 10.1-inch freestanding touchscreen infotainment unit with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a fully digital instrument console. 

Other features could include a panoramic sunroof, an Arkamys sound system, powered driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, a powered tailgate and ADAS suite. The ADAS features will include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, auto high beam, lane assist and others. 

Competition and Expected Price

The Renault Boreal will be locally developed at the brand’s Chennai based production facility. With high level of localisation, the 7-seater SUV is expected to carry an aggressive price tag. We expect the Boreal to cost somewhere around Rs 13 lakh to Rs 22 lakh. It will directly rival the Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, Jeep Meridian, Hyundai Alcazar and others in the category.

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