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New Rs. 13 Lakh XUV700-rival Spied for the First Time!

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Joseph

XUV700 Beware: New Renault SUV Spied in India for the First Time – Looks MASSIVE!

A New XUV700-rival has been spied for the first time in India and upon first sight it looks humongous in size. So, this SUV is the Renault Boreal which was unveiled last year as Dacia Bigster. Renault had confirmed the XUV700-rival will launch in India next year few months after the Duster goes on sale. Here’s what we can make out of the India-spec SUV –

Renault Boreal Spied: What can we see?

Even though the SUV is fully camouflaged, we can still notice a few design elements. At the rear, it gets Y-shaped wrap-around LED tail-lamps, a roof-mounted spoiler, large bumpers, and big alloy wheels that seem to be around 19 inches in size. On the side, the rear door handles are placed on the C-pillar, and the windows are fully covered. On top, you can spot the roof rails which are likely functional, and glossy

Inside, we get a quick look at the cabin, where a 10.1-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system is visible. The ORVMs have integrated indicators, but no cameras are seen, suggesting this might be a mid-variant undergoing testing. The front isn’t clearly visible, but we can spot Y-shaped LED DRLs and large lower air dams.

Renault Boreal: Exterior

Dacia Bigster for representational purposes

The Renault Boreal, originally revealed with a Dacia badge, is a bold, rugged SUV based on the new-gen Duster platform. It measures 4.57 metres in length, making it around 230mm longer than the Duster, with a wheelbase of 2.7 metres. The design draws heavily from the 2021 Bigster Concept, featuring a large gloss black grille, high creased bonnet, and full LED lighting with signature Y-shaped DRLs and tail-lamps. Thick body cladding, pronounced bumpers, and a high 220mm ground clearance give it a tough and outdoorsy look. Depending on the variant, it gets alloy wheels ranging from 17 – 18 inches. The SUV has a strong road presence, with its upright stance and wide track enhancing its SUV appeal.

Renault Boreal: Interior

Dacia Bigster Interiors

The interior layout mirrors the new Duster with a modern and functional cabin design. It features a choice between a 7-inch or 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch floating infotainment touchscreen. Signature Y-shaped AC vent elements, layered dashboard, and robust material use reflect its rugged yet practical character. The international-spec model is a 5-seater with a massive 667-litre boot, though an Indian version will get a 7-seater version to compete with Alcazar, XUV700, etc. Interior features include wireless charging, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, Arkamy’s audio system, powered driver seat, and optional ADAS tech. Despite its utilitarian roots, the Boreal combines practicality with a premium feel, making it suitable for both urban and adventure use.

Renault Boreal: Engine Options

India-bound Renault Boreal is expected to be powered by the following –

  • 1.2 L Turbo Petrol Engine that would deliver 128 BHP and 230 Nm torque mated to 6 Speed Manual and Automatic Transmission
  • 1.8 L Petrol Hybrid which delivers 152 bhp and 205 NM Torque mated to an Automatic transmission. It’s capable of running 80% of the time in electric mode.

Final Thoughts

The Renault Boreal has finally landed on Indian soil for testing, and its imposing size and premium styling elements make a strong first impression. While still camouflaged, key design cues like the Y-shaped LED lighting, roof rails, large alloys, and digital cabin setup confirm it’s sticking close to its international design roots. With a longer body than the Duster and a likely 7-seater layout for India, Renault is clearly targeting heavyweights like the XUV700 and Safari. If priced competitively and paired with multiple powertrain options, the Boreal could become a serious disruptor in the three-row SUV space. More details will unfold as the launch nears, but the Boreal already looks ready to make a big statement.

 

Joseph

Published by
Joseph