Renault, the renowned French automaker, is set to unveil its latest compact SUV, the Kardian, on October 25, 2023. This eagerly awaited global debut marks an exciting addition to Renault’s SUV lineup. While initially targeted for the Brazilian market, the Kardian is poised to make a significant impact in various emerging markets. The SUV’s design and features have already generated significant buzz, offering a glimpse of what’s to come.
Kardian’s Roots: The Dacia Sandero Connection
The new Renault Kardian finds its foundation in the popular Dacia Sandero Stepway. This compact SUV is set to become Renault’s smallest SUV offering in several emerging markets. It will notably cater to South American markets where Dacia’s presence is limited, effectively competing with newly introduced small SUVs like Fiat’s Pulse.
Design and Styling: What to Expect
While patent images have offered a sneak peek, the Kardian showcases an all-new front styling, complete with proper SUV design cues. Key exterior features include split headlamps, a distinctive double-layer grille, contrasting black elements on the tall bumper, and a rugged faux brushed aluminum skidplate. The coupe-SUV bodyshell design, increased ground clearance over the Sandero, and robust cladding on wheel arches and running boards emphasize its SUV character.
At the rear, the Kardian’s C-shaped tail-lamps bear resemblance to the Kiger, a sibling in Renault’s SUV lineup. Expect stylish alloy wheels, roof rails, a shark-fin antenna, and chrome accents on higher variants. Inside, the Kardian boasts a stylish dashboard design akin to other Renault SUVs, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a drive mode selector, and a four-spoke steering wheel. Faux brushed aluminum and wood inserts, complemented by piano black finishes, add to its interior appeal.
Powertrain and Positioning
The Kardian will be equipped with a 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine, although specifics may differ from the Kiger and Magnite models in India. Positioned below the second-generation Duster, currently available in Brazil, the Kardian shares the CMF-B platform with the Sandero Stepway, hinting at a promising future lineup for Renault in Brazil.
No Entry for India
Unfortunately, the highly localized Renault Kiger, which is already available in India, serves as the Indian counterpart of the Kardian. This makes it unlikely for the Kardian to enter the Indian market. The Kiger is built on the heavily localized CMF-A Plus platform, shared with the Triber MPV and Nissan Magnite SUV.
Renault’s SUV Plans for India
Renault is actively engaged in expanding its SUV lineup in India. The Indian market currently enjoys the presence of the Kiger, with the eagerly anticipated arrival of the all-new Duster expected by Diwali 2025. Renault’s plans also include a three-row iteration set to join the SUV segment in the future.
