Renault readies Sandero-based compact SUV

Renault is readying an all-new crossover-SUV for emerging markets. This new SUV will be around four metres long and is expected to go on sale in Brazil in the coming months, followed by other countries. The final design of this yet unnamed SUV from Renault has been leaked through patent drawings submitted to the National Institute of Industrial Property in Brazil.

1. New Renault SUV will be based on the Dacia Sandero
2. Gets styling cues from the Triber and Kiger
3. Will go on sale in Brazil first

Renault compact SUV: what is it?

While Renault sells the Kiger, its smallest SUV in markets like India, the compact SUV isn’t on sale in many other markets overseas. This leaves a void in the French brand’s entry-level SUV line-up, especially in emerging markets like South America, where newly introduced small SUVs from other brands like Fiat – the Pulse – have been quite popular. To counter this, Renault will introduce this all-new compact SUV, which will be based on the latest-gen Dacia Sandero Stepway sold in markets like Europe. However, it will have major styling tweaks to its sheet metal in order to make it look more of an SUV than a cross-hatch.

Renault compact SUV platform and design

This new SUV from Renault, which will be produced in Brazil, will sit on the modular CMF-B platform that also underpins the Dacia Sandero. The brand plans to introduce more vehicles in the country based on the same platform in the future. Like newer Renault models, it will feature a split headlamp set-up up front with a double-layer grille, a tall bumper and a prominent chin with a faux brushed aluminium skidplate.

In profile, this new SUV will have a coupe-SUV like bodyshell, added ground clearance over the Sandero, and chunky cladding on the wheel arches and running boards to add to its rugged SUV looks. At the rear, the tail-lamps will have a C-shaped design that looks a lot like the Kiger. Its tall bumper will be finished in contrasting black elements and a faux skid plate finished in brushed aluminum. Higher variants will feature stylish alloy wheels, roof rails and a shark fin antenna along with added chrome bits.

Renault compact SUV expected powertrain and positioning

This new SUV from Renault will come with a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, however, it remains to be seen whether it is same as the one that does duty on the Kiger and Magnite in India. This new SUV will be positioned below the second-gen Duster, which is on sale in Brazil currently. The next-gen Duster, which is also in the works at the moment, will also be based on the CMF-B platform in the future, and be built at the same plant in Brazil alongside this new SUV.

Renault compact SUV: will it come to India?

The all-new Renault Sandero-based compact SUV will not come to India as we already have the heavily localised Kiger. The Kiger falls in the same segment and is based on the CMF-A Plus platform that also underpins the Triber MPV and the Nissan Magnite SUV.

Renault future SUV plans for India

As far as SUVs go, Renault currently sells the Kiger in the Indian market. The all-new Duster is also expected to come to India by Diwali 2025. There's also a three-row iteration that's in the works. Click here to read more on that.

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