New Renault Boreal, a potentially affordable family-sized SUV, is on the radar for South Africa
The Renault Boreal is likely to arrive in late 2026 or early 2027.
Image: Supplied
Renault has revealed a brand new SUV product called the Boreal, and it will be sold in emerging markets outside of Europe.
South Africa is also on the radar for the new product, with the French brand’s local representative confirming to IOL that the newcomer is under consideration for late 2026 or early 2027.
Based on the Dacia Bigster, Renault Boreal is larger than the Duster, but its overall length of 4,560mm makes it marginally smaller than established C-segment SUVs such as the Toyota Rav4.
Aimed at emerging markets and set to be built in Brazil and Turkey, the Boreal is likely to be more affordable than similarly-sized rivals. However, it is still too early to speculate on its pricing in markets like South Africa.
The Boreal is based on the Dacia Bigster, but boasts unique styling elements.
Image: Supplied
It’s based around Renault’s “ultra-flexible” modular architecture, and despite its Dacia genes, this is no ‘cut and paste’ exercise as the French product has unique design elements, including a front end inspired by the Niagara bakkie concept.
“From the outset, Boreal was designed to meet the specific needs of its key markets: Latin America, Turkey, the Middle East and the Mediterranean basin. In these regions, exterior styling is a major differentiator in the decision to buy. Cars need to be seen as robust and high tech, conveying a high level of perceived value as well as social status,” said Renault’s design VP Gilles Vidal.
The Boreal’s cabin was inspired by the electric Renault 5 E-Tech, with dual 10-inch screens taking centre stage, with built-in Google software. High-end features are available in the form of a massage function for the driver’s seat and a fully customisable mood lighting system with 48 colours.
The dual-screen cabin has luxurious touches.
Image: Supplied
All versions of the Boreal at launch will be powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine, paired with a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Its outputs differ depending on the market, but its most powerful iteration produces 115kW and 270Nm.
Certain regions may also receive other powertrain options, although there has been no mention of a hybrid option as yet.
As for driving technology, the Boreal will be available with up to 24 advanced driver assistance systems, including Blind Spot Warning, Reverse Cross Traffic Alert and Emergency Stop Assist.
IOL Motoring