Renault Boreal Bigster SUV

The Renault Bigster SUV is a significant offering in the Indian market, built on the CMF-B platform and based on the third-generation Duster. It boasts a rugged and muscular design with Y-shaped LED headlights, chunky wheel arches, and thick black claddings, giving it a brawny appearance. The Bigster is larger than the Duster, measuring 4.57 meters in length, with a wheelbase of 2.7 meters, and a ground clearance of 220mm. Inside, it features a modern cabin with a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, wireless charging, automatic climate control, and a 6-speaker Arkamys 3D sound system. The SUV will be available in multiple variants, including a 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid and a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, with options for front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The Bigster is expected to launch in India by June 2025, initially as a five-seater, but with plans to introduce a seven-seater version later to compete with the likes of the Hyundai Alcazar and Mahindra XUV700.

The Renault Bigster SUV is a compelling addition to the Indian market, especially for those seeking a rugged and feature-packed vehicle. What stands out is its robust design, inspired by the Duster but with a more aggressive and adventurous stance. The Bigsters ground clearance of 220mm and various driving modes, including snow, mudsand, off-road, and eco, make it a strong contender for both urban and off-road driving. The interior is modern and stylish, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a digital instrument cluster, which enhance the driving experience. However, the safety aspect remains to be tested, as it has not been evaluated in any crash tests yet. Overall, the Bigster promises a great balance of functionality, comfort, and off-road capability, making it a worthy consideration for SUV enthusiasts.

I've been tracking the Renault Boreal, the seven-seater version of the Bigster SUV tailored for India, and it's shaping up as Renault's bold return to the midsize segment with a launch expected around August 2026, following the new Duster. This rugged beast measures about 4.6 meters long with a 2.7-meter wheelbase, 220mm ground clearance, and 19-inch alloys, perfect for our diverse roads from city chaos to highway hauls. Power comes from a familiar 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine making 160bhp and 270Nm, paired to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic, with potential hybrid options like a 1.6-litre setup down the line for better efficiency. Inside, expect a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, digital driver's display, panoramic sunroof, powered seats, two-zone AC, and an ADAS suite to rival Creta or Seltos rivals. Starting at around Rs 13 lakh, it promises spacious third-row access, 667-litre boot in five-seat mode, and off-road modes including terrain settings, though its global Dacia Bigster counterpart earned just a three-star Euro NCAP rating, raising questions on local crash safety tweaks. Positioned against Mahindra XUV700 and Hyundai Alcazar, the Boreal's value-packed features and Duster heritage make it a compelling family hauler worth waiting for.

The Renault Bigster has made its global debut, revealing a larger and more feature-rich version of the Duster. It is 230 mm longer than the Duster, offering a massive 667 litres of boot space and a five-seater configuration. The Bigster features a redesigned front bumper, extended wheelbase, and more tech, including a 10.1-inch infotainment display and a 10-inch digital drivers display. As an automotive expert, I think the Bigsters blend of space and technology makes it a compelling option in the compact SUV segment.

Dacia has unveiled the Bigster with three powertrain options: a hybrid setup with a 1.6-litre petrol engine and two electric motors, a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine with a mild-hybrid system, and a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that runs on LPG. These options cater to various needs, from efficiency to off-road capability. The inclusion of multiple powertrains is a smart move, offering something for everyone.

Dacias CEO, Denis Le Vot, has stated that the Bigster is part of Dacias strategy to enter the C-SUV segment, aiming to provide comfort, performance, and space without compromising on value. The Bigster is designed to meet the growing demands of C-SUV buyers who are facing increasing costs. This strategic move could solidify Dacias position in the market.

The Bigster is built on Renaults CMF-B platform and shares many components with the Duster, but it boasts increased proportions and a slightly different design. It features a panoramic sunroof, electric tailgate, wireless phone charging, and dual-zone climate control, enhancing comfort and practicality. The design tweaks and added features make the Bigster a significant upgrade over the Duster.

The Renault Bigster is expected to be priced competitively in the Indian market, with prices starting at around Rs. 13.00 Lakh for the base variant and going up to Rs. 18.00 Lakh for the top-spec models. When considering the ex-showroom price, these figures are quite reasonable given the features and capabilities the Bigster offers. However, the on-road price will include additional costs such as registration, insurance, and other local taxes, which could push the final cost to around Rs. 15.50 Lakh to Rs. 21.50 Lakh, depending on the state and city. Given its robust build, generous interior space, and advanced features, the Bigster seems to offer good value for money.

The mileage of the Renault Bigster in India will depend on the chosen powertrain. The 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid engine, which combines a 107bhp petrol engine with a pair of electric motors, is expected to offer better fuel efficiency compared to the traditional petrol engines. The 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system should also provide decent mileage, especially in urban conditions. While exact mileage figures are not yet available, we can expect the hybrid variant to deliver around 15-18 kml in mixed driving conditions, and the mild-hybrid variant to offer around 12-15 kml. The LPG variant, if available, might have slightly lower mileage but will benefit from the larger fuel tank capacity. ABOUT The Renault Bigster SUV is a significant offering in the Indian market, built on the CMF-B platform and based on the third-generation Duster. It boasts a rugged and muscular design with Y-shaped LED headlights, chunky wheel arches, and thick black claddings, giving it a brawny appearance. The Bigster is larger than the Duster, measuring 4.57 meters in length, with a wheelbase of 2.7 meters, and a ground clearance of 220mm. Inside, it features a modern cabin with a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, wireless charging, automatic climate control, and a 6-speaker Arkamys 3D sound system. The SUV will be available in multiple variants, including a 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid and a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, with options for front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The Bigster is expected to launch in India by June 2025, initially as a five-seater, but with plans to introduce a seven-seater version later to compete with the likes of the Hyundai Alcazar and Mahindra XUV700.