Renault Boreal is constantly working on new models to strengthen its hold in the SUV segment in India. Now a new 7-seater SUV Renault Boreal from the company has been spotted during testing in the country. This SUV is actually believed to be a larger and more premium version of the Duster, which is sold internationally as Dacia Bigster. The Boreal SUV is scheduled to be introduced globally on July 10, 2025, and is likely to be launched in India a few months later.
Design and exterior details
The spy shots that have surfaced during testing reveal many important things about the exterior design of the Boreal SUV. This SUV comes with a solid and muscular look. It has heavy bumpers on both the front and rear, which give it a strong road presence.
Thick body cladding has been given all around which further highlights its off-road character. Pull-type handles have been provided for the front door, while the rear door handles are mounted on the B-pillar – giving it a clean and sporty side profile.
In addition, thick roof rails, raised spoiler and LED DRLs give it a modern and premium touch. The test model had heavy camouflage, which hid some details, but still the rough and tough look of the Boreal is clearly visible.
Dimensions and road presence
Talking about the size of the Renault Boreal, it can be equal to the Dacia Bigster. Its estimated length will be 4,570 mm, width 1,810 mm and height 1,710 mm, while the wheelbase can be 2,700 mm. An SUV of this size will be especially suitable for Indian customers as it will get a 7-seater layout and boot space will also be good.
Interior and Features
Although much information about the interior of the Boreal has not been revealed yet, spy images have revealed that it will be given a large landscape oriented touchscreen unit, which can possibly be 10.1 inches.
Apart from this, it is expected that features like wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, 360 degree camera, digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) can be given in Boreal.
Engine Options
The same setup can be given as an engine option in Boreal which will be offered in the new generation Duster. It can mainly have three engine options:
- 1.2 liter turbo petrol engine – This engine will give sporty performance with more power.
- 1.2 liter strong hybrid system – which will offer an environmentally friendly option with excellent fuel efficiency.
- 1.5 liter naturally aspirated petrol engine – Affordable and reliable option for entry-level variants.
Transmission options could include manual and automatic gearboxes. A CNG variant is also expected, but an all-wheel drive option is unlikely to be available as it could increase the cost.
Production and export in India
The Renault Boreal will be manufactured at Renault-Nissan’s Chennai plant, where the new Duster will also be manufactured. The Boreal will be exported not only to the Indian market but also to international markets. This will make India a global production hub for Renault.
Launch Timeline and Potential Rivals
The Renault Boreal is likely to be launched in India in the first half of 2026, i.e. a few months after the Duster. Once launched in the Indian market, the Boreal will compete directly with the following 7-seater SUVs:
- Hyundai Alcazar
- Tata Safari
- Mahindra XUV700 (7-seater)
- MG Hector Plus
To compete with all these SUVs, the Boreal will have to show an edge in aggressive pricing, features and styling.
Conclusion
The Renault Boreal SUV can bring a new storm in the 7-seater SUV segment of India in the coming time. It can prove to be a perfect SUV for those customers who want premium features, strong looks and reliable engine performance.
Renault has already created a strong identity among Indian customers through Duster, and now the company is going to give a new extension to this identity through Boreal. If the price is kept competitive and the feature package is good at the time of launch, then Boreal can make a huge splash in the Indian market.