So, Renault Group in Brazil during their “New International Gameplan” presentation unveiled a new SUV under the nameplate, “Kardian” which is be launched in the South American region.
The Kardian SUV has been specifically designed with a keen eye on the South American market, with its initial launch set to take place in Brazil. Following its debut in Brazil, Renault plans to introduce the Kardian in regions where the company lacks a compact SUV offering, unlike the Kiger available in the Indian market. In South America, the Kardian will face competition from recently introduced small SUVs, including Fiat’s Pulse and others. Renault’s production of the Kardian will commence in Brazil, with subsequent manufacturing taking place in Morocco.
It measures 4.12 M in length, the Kardian is built on Renault’s new CMF modular platform. This platform is anticipated to underpin up to eight different models sold worldwide, with a primary focus on emerging markets. The Kardian boasts an attractive exterior design characterized by split headlamps, robust front and rear bumpers, and a prominent Renault signature double-layer grille. To enhance its SUV aesthetics, the Kardian features faux aluminum inserts. It sports a coupe-like body shape and offers increased ground clearance, complemented by substantial cladding on the wheel arches and running boards.
Moving to the rear, the Kardian showcases C-shaped tail-lamps, resembling the design found on the Kiger. Premium variants of the Kardian come equipped with stylish alloy wheels, roof rails, a shark-fin antenna, and additional chrome accents, enhancing its overall appeal. Inside the Kardian, you’ll find a chic dashboard design that shares similarities with other Renault SUVs. It features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a drive mode selector, and a four-spoke steering wheel. The interior boasts a combination of faux brushed aluminum and wood inserts, complemented by piano black elements, with the specific materials varying depending on the variant. In addition, premium versions of the Kardian will be equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels.
The Kardian SUV is equipped with a new 1.0 L turbo-petrol engine that delivers 123 BHP and 220 NM of torque, paired with a six-speed DCT Gearbox. In comparison, the Kiger features a 1.0 L turbo-petrol engine with 99 BHP and 160 NM of torque, mated to a CVT Gearbox. The Kiger is positioned as a smaller SUV compared to the second-generation Duster, which is currently available in Brazil. The upcoming new Duster, currently in development, is expected to utilize the same CMF platform and be manufactured at the same facility in Brazil alongside the Kardian. The global debut of the third-generation Duster is scheduled for November 29.
So, in the end, the question remains is the Kardian SUV coming to India? Well, no given its the Kiger counterpart for the South American regions, but the platform it’s built on will have some new models produced for the Indian Market no later than 2027.