Renault’s Upcoming 3-Row SUV for India to Be Named Boreal

Renault is gearing up for a serious comeback in India. With five new cars in the pipeline over the next two years, the French carmaker has its sights set firmly on the growing SUV market. While the next-gen Duster is leading the charge, the spotlight now shifts to its larger sibling — the Renault Boreal. This three-row SUV is all set to bring more space, power, and versatility to Renault’s Indian lineup.

Introduction

The Renault Boreal, previously known only by its code name, is now official. First set to launch in Latin America, the SUV will gradually make its way to other markets, including India. And here’s where things get exciting — the Boreal shares its DNA with the upcoming Duster but stretches it into a larger, more family-friendly format.

Underpinnings

At its core, the Boreal is built on the same CMF-B platform that will underpin the next-gen Duster. It’s a modular platform developed by Renault and Dacia, designed to handle different body types and powertrains. While the Duster is a classic two-row SUV, the Boreal extends that idea by offering three rows of seating.

Expect a body length of around 4.6 metres, which places it squarely in the mid-size three-row SUV category. One of the layout options will likely include captain seats in the second row, making a six-seater configuration possible. This setup appeals to buyers looking for more comfort without sacrificing utility.

Powertrains

What about what’s under the hood? Renault has already hinted at petrol and hybrid powertrains for both the Duster and the Boreal. For the Boreal, this likely includes a strong hybrid variant — similar to what we see in the Honda City e:HEV, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.

This strong hybrid setup should deliver solid fuel efficiency and offer electric-only driving in low-speed situations. Not only does that reduce fuel bills, but it also appeals to eco-conscious buyers who want to reduce their carbon footprint without switching to a full EV.

Competitors

Let’s talk rivals. The Duster will go head-to-head with compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, and the Tata Harrier. But the Boreal? It’s entering a much bigger arena.

With its size and expected price point, the Boreal will compete with the Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector Plus, updated Kia Carens, Mahindra XUV700, and future three-row models from Maruti and Toyota. Renault’s sister brand Nissan is also planning a version of this SUV with its own styling, which will share the same platform and powertrains.

Here’s a quick comparison table to break it down:

SUV Model	Seating	Powertrain Options	Rival Models
Renault Duster	5-seater	Petrol, Hybrid	Creta, Seltos, Harrier, Hyryder
Renault Boreal	6/7-seater	Petrol, Strong Hybrid	XUV700, Alcazar, Carens, Hector Plus

Global Strategy

Launching first in Latin America, the Boreal is clearly part of a global expansion strategy. Renault wants to unify its offerings across key markets like South America, India, and parts of Europe. This global approach helps Renault cut development costs while tailoring each version to local needs.

India remains a crucial market for this strategy. With the growing demand for large SUVs and a tilt toward hybrid tech, the Boreal could be the perfect product at the right time.

So, whether you’re a Renault fan or just looking for a capable, stylish family SUV, the Boreal is one to keep an eye on. It blends the proven ruggedness of the Duster with extra space and smarter tech—just what today’s SUV buyer wants.

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