Renault has unveiled the Boreal SUV in Brazil, as the French automaker continues its efforts to expand its footprint around the world. The seven-seater SUV, which is the extended version of the popular Duster is expected to arrive in India by 2026.
Global Unveiling Sets Stage For Indian Entry
The Renault Boreal was unveiled worldwide on 10th July 2025 at Brazilian launch, when it should hit the market first in late 2025. The SUV is part of Renault’s sweeping International Game Plan 2027 targeting a boost in brand presence in 74 countries outside Europe.
‘Boreal’ comes from Boreas, the Greek god of the wind and also the literal meaning of ‘north wind’ in Latin. It is the perfect name that reflects the adventurous nature of the SUV and the wide-open space for which it was designed, by Renault’s marketing department.
Design Language Evolves From Duster DNA
A bold sculpted exterior with clean lines features a signature front-end design, while inspired by the Niagara concept, the Boreal also boasts atop lighting signature that is sure to turn heads. The SUV measures 4,556mm long with 2,702mm wheelbase which gives it lethal proportions eclipsing its five-seater Duster cousin.
Key design cues are a body-coloured grille illuminated by a back-lit Renault logo and wings extending into LED headlights and a bold 19-inch wheel design. The SUV continues to sport the typical black cladding across the wheel arches and along the body sides, while preserving the Duster family’s off-roading DNA.
The rear end gets Y-shaped LED taillamps, chunky bumper with silver skid plate and integrated roof spoiler. This looks very much like the Europe-market Dacia Bigster with unique Renault branding and details.
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Premium Interior Focuses on Family Comfort
Inside, the Boreal is a tech-heavy affair with a cabin anchored by dual 10-inch screens that are integrated into one another. The infotainment system is powered by Renault’s OpenR Link system with Google on-board, providing for intelligent installations of Google Maps, Assistant, and over 100 additional apps.
Another set of premium options consist of 48-color ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control and a premium Harman Kardon sound system. The front seats have electric adjustment (with memory) and the driver also has a massage function.
The 5 seater global model offers 586 litres of boot space, which can be further extended to 1,770 litres by folding the rear seat. But the Indian version will come with three row seating option, enough to seat seven people, reconfiguration of the space to be more practical for the family.
Advanced Safety Suite Leads Segment
Boreal offers a strong 24 ADAS Level 2 features set including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking. More safety kit is included in the form of 360-degree cameras, hands-free parking and Occupant Safe Exit.
For emerging markets which are increasingly looking at ADAS systems, the full safety suite makes the Boreal a class leader.
Powertrain Options Emphasise Efficiency
The worldwide Boreal is introduced with the 1.3 TCe, a petrol or flex-fuel (depending on market) turbocharged engine. The flex-fuel engine develops 163 hp (270 Nm of torque), and the petrol motor generates 156 hp (same level of torque).
Its power is transmitted to the wheels by a 6-speed dual clutch EDC automatic, which helps the car accelerate from 0-100 kmph in 9.26 seconds. The engine uses the most modern cylinder materials and coatings, including for the first time in a production four-banger, a Mirror Bore coating for improved efficiency and less friction.
For the Indian market, Renault is also likely to provide some hybrid powertrains other than normal petrol engine. The 1.6-litre petrol engine could power the hybrid engine, electric motors and a battery pack to provide better fuel economy in low speed city driving.
Indian Launch Strategy Takes Shape
Renault will produce the Boreal at its plant in Chennai for local as well as overseas markets. The Chennai facility, that has rolled out over 10 lakh vehicles since its opening in 2010, will be pivotal in driving the SUV’s India innings.
Renault also launched a new ₹15 crore global design studio in Chennai, which covers a 1,500 square metre facility with state-of-the-art facilities. The plant will concentrate on making models exclusively for India while also working on the ongoing world initiatives.
India-bound Boreal model is scheduled to go on sale in second half of 2026 after debut of five-seat Duster variant. Pricing is expected to range between ₹13-18 lakh, which would mean it’s poised to compete against the familiar rivals.
Market Positioning Targets Three-Row Segment
Competing directly with popular seven-seater SUVs like the Hyundai Alcazar, Mahindra XUV700, Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, the Boreal will also look to sell itself as a more desirable joint for those looking for a touch of luxury and style in their garage. There will be upcoming competition to the SUV too, in the form of Maruti and Toyota-s seven-seater versions.
It is a tough market which requires the Boreal to have unique selling propositions, value for money and excellent after sales support. The emphasis placed by Renault on hybrid and safety could give it its justification.
The Boreal is Renault’s strategic come back into the premium SUV segment in India with the emotional connect of the Duster brand combined with customer expectations of space, technology and efficiency.