Months after dropping a C-segment model teaser, Renault has finally taken the wraps off its Boreal SUV. The Renault Boreal will be exclusively sold in 71 markets outside Europe, including Brazil, followed by Latin America, Turkey and more. “The fourth launch in the Renault International Game Plan, the Boreal, marks a new stage in our move upmarket and reinforces our sales offensive in the C-segment,” said Ivan Segal, SVP, Renault International Operations.
- ‘Boreal’ comes from Boreas (the God of wind in Greek mythology); it also means north wind in Latin
- Boreal has been revealed as a 5-seat SUV with a 586-litre boot
- It is underpinned by Renault’s modular CMF platform
- Exact details about the India launch are unclear
Renault Boreal exterior design
Niagara concept and Symbioz SUV inspired elements
The all-new Boreal stretches the tape to 4,556mm in length, 1,841mm in width and 1,650mm in height; the wheelbase is 2,702mm. Compared to the upcoming Renault Duster, the Boreal is larger in every dimension except height. It adopts a front fascia similar to the Renault Niagara concept. The long hood and scattered LEDs on the front bumper, for instance, are identical to the prototype. There’s also a new 2D diamond-shaped backlit Renault logo, which the brand’s design team stated has triangular elements. These elements also feature in other parts of the SUV.
Renault Niagara concept.
In profile, the Boreal appears to be a stretched Duster, and it features bulky body cladding and 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. Even the pull-type front and B-pillar-mounted rear door handles remind one of the Duster. Interestingly, the Boreal’s rear section has a large integrated spoiler and horizontal tail-lights that appear to be inspired by the Renault Symbioz SUV.
Renault Boreal interior and features
10-inch screen combo, panoramic sunroof
Soft-touch materials have been used for the interior trims, and the wide dashboard has laser-engraved textures merging to form the diamond logo. The premium quotient is heightened by dual 10-inch screens for infotainment and entertainment; the touchscreen gets Renault’s openR link multimedia system with Google built-in, along with OTA updates. For audio duties, a premium Harman Kardon sound system has been appointed.
Renault has also equipped the Boreal with expected features like powered front seats with massaging (only for the driver), dual-zone AC and a panoramic sunroof. It should be noted that Renault has revealed the Boreal as a 5-seat SUV, which translates to a massive boot capacity of 586 litres with all seats up and 1,770 litres when folded down.
Renault Boreal safety kit
Level 2 ADAS, 360-degree camera system
Boreal’s safety suite packs Level 2 ADAS with 24 features, including adaptive autopilot, active lane centring and autonomous emergency braking, as well as a 360-degree camera setup and front and rear parking sensors.
Renault Boreal engine and gearbox
1.3-litre turbocharged engine in petrol and flex fuel guises
The Boreal has a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine, which, depending on the market, can be had in petrol or flex-fuel guise. This jointly developed engine with Mercedes is mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 163hp, 270Nm Boreal flex fuel is the most powerful, while the petrol-only version makes slightly less at 138hp/156hp, 240Nm. Boreal’s quickest 0-100kph time is rated at 9.26 seconds. Drivers will also be able to use four drive modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport and MySense.
Also see:
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Renault Duster, Bigster hybrid under evaluation for India