Renault Bridger and Mahindra Vision S - Two Upcoming Rugged Compact SUVs

Renault has officially announced its new sub-4 meter SUV, the Bridger for the India as well as international markets. The new compact SUV will be launched in our market sometime in 2027. While most of the sub-4 meter SUVs in our market carries a crossover profile, the Renault Bridger concept previews a rugged SUV with traditional boxy design. Not just Renault, Mahindra will also introduce a rugged compact SUV based on the Vision S Concept in our market in 2027.  

These two concepts preview a different-looking SUVs in the sub-4 meter category. The Bridger will be a direct rival to the upcoming Mahindra Vision S, which is rumoured to be the smallest member of the Scorpio-N family. Both SUVs come with boxy and rugged design, featuring upright stance, a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, squared-out wheel arches and flat roof. 

The Mahindra Vision S and Renault Bridger will be based on a front-wheel-drive monocoque platform, but will be marketed as lifestyle SUVs. These two models will also come as an alternative to the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Mahindra Thar, both based on old-school ladder-frame chassis. 

Mahindra Vision S

The production-ready Vision S has already been caught testing multiple times on the Indian roads. It comes with a flat clamshell bonnet with an upright stance, circular-shaped headlamps, large scuff plate in the front bumper, carved out cladding, squared-off wheel arches, large glass areas, a tailgate mounted spare wheel, and fenders-mounted tail-lights. 

The Mahindra Vision S will be based on the brand’s new NU.IQ modular platform, which is compatible with ICE, hybrid and EV powertrains. It will also mark the debut of Mahindra’s new interior design language, featuring dual digital screens separated from each other by an AC vent. In terms of features, the SUV will get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic AC, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, LEVEL-2 ADAS, a 360-degree surround view camera and others. 

The baby Scorpio will initially arrive with petrol and diesel engine options. Mahindra has confirmed that the new SUVs will also receive hybrid and electric powertrains. 

Renault Bridger

The new Mini Duster will be positioned between the Kiger and the new Renault Duster, and is expected to be introduced in our market in 2027. The SUV will be designed and developed in India for domestic as well as international markets. The concept previews a boxy-shaped compact SUV with an upright stance, carved-out cladding, large glass areas, squared-off wheel arches and a flat nose. It comes with a flat grille with an illuminated Renault lettering, new squared-off headlamps with unique LED DRLs, and a striking bumper that houses a skid plate and mesh pattern for air intakes. 

The SUV gets a tailgate-mounted spare wheel and vertically stacked tail-lamps, and an upright tailgate. Renault has not revealed the cabin layout of the new Bridger SUV concept. However, it is claimed to offer the segment-best knee-room and boot space. The new Bridger concept will offer a boost space of around 400-litres, which will be the largest in the segment. 

Renault will adopt a multi-powertrain strategy, as the new Bridger is rumoured to be offered with a petrol engine, a turbo petrol engine, a hybrid and a CNG. It is also likely to debut a new 1.2L NA petrol engine. The new model is likely to be based on Renault’s new modular R-GMP architecture, which is heavily localised for the Indian market.