Four All New Sub-4 Meter Compact SUVs From Renault And Nissan
Renault and its strategic partner Nissan have been relentlessly working on the development of new models for launch in India. These new models will help the companies in increasing their market shares. Of the upcoming launches, the four sub-compact SUVs which are coming to India will be the most important for both of these brands. And because of this, today we are presenting you with the details of these four SUVs.
Recently, Renault unveiled the concept version of its all-new compact SUV called the Bridger. This upcoming SUV will become one of the most important products under Renault’s “FutuREady” strategy for India. The company will develop this SUV in India for both domestic and international markets.
The Bridger will boast a rugged and boxy SUV design with a strong road presence. It is expected to offer a high ground clearance, muscular body cladding, and a spacious cabin. Renault will base this SUV on the all-new RGMP (Renault Global Modular Platform), which has been derived from the Renault-Nissan CMF-B architecture.
One of the biggest highlights of this platform is that it has been developed as a true multi-energy platform. This means the Bridger will be offered with petrol, turbo-petrol, hybrid, CNG, and electric powertrains.
The Bridger will also feature Renault’s new SWEET 400 electrical architecture. Renault has explained that SWEET stands for Software Electric And Electronic Technology, and it has been co-developed with Google. This architecture will offer connected car technology, OTA updates, advanced software integration, and improved EV and hybrid management systems.
Talking about the engine options, Renault is developing an all-new 1.2-litre petrol engine family for the Bridger. It will be similar to the HR10 engine offered in the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger. This new engine will come in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions.
The first option will be a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. This motor will feature a 4-cylinder setup and MPFi technology. Most likely, its power output will be around 80 to 90 bhp. As for the transmission choices, they will include a 5-speed manual gearbox and an automatic gearbox. Renault is expected to offer this engine on the affordable variants of the Bridger.
It is believed that the four-cylinder layout will help in offering more refinement and lower NVH levels compared to the three-cylinder rivals. The other engine option will be the 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine. This engine will also use a four-cylinder layout, and it will be derived from Renault’s larger 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine.
Reports have suggested that this motor could produce around 120 bhp and 200 to 220 Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a manual gearbox along with DCT or torque converter automatic options. This engine will target buyers looking for stronger performance.
Apart from petrol engines, Renault is currently also developing a new 1.2-litre strong hybrid powertrain. This new hybrid setup will use a three-cylinder engine, which will run on Miller Cycle technology. Renault is studying AVL’s H12 hybrid concept technology. The hybrid powertrain architecture will reportedly be based on Horse Powertrain’s HR12 engine platform. As per AVL claims, this setup could offer 30 kmpl.
Renault is expected to offer a factory-fitted turbo CNG version of the Bridger as well. This model is expected to use the same 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine paired with a dual-cylinder underbody CNG setup. Instead of one large tank, Renault will offer two smaller cylinders placed under the boot floor.
This will help in improving the boot space and weight distribution of the Bridger. In petrol mode, this engine is expected to produce around 120 bhp. Meanwhile, in CNG mode, it could produce around 100 to 105 bhp. As for the mileage figures, they are expected to cross 30 km/kg.
Apart from the ICE and hybrid versions, Renault will also launch an electric version of the Bridger. The Bridger EV is expected to arrive in India around early 2028. It is believed that this SUV could become a game-changing product for Renault.
The Bridger EV is expected to come offered with two battery pack choices, including 35 kWh and 55 kWh units. The smaller battery pack is expected to offer around 300 to 350 km of real-world range. Meanwhile, the larger battery pack could provide around 500 km of claimed range.
As for the features, it is expected to offer DC fast charging, regenerative braking, and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality. The SUV is also expected to offer around 200 mm of ground clearance and a practical cabin.
After Renault launches the Bridger in India, its strategic partner Nissan will also launch its own version of the Bridger-based compact SUV in India. This SUV will share the same RGMP platform, but it is expected to feature Nissan-specific exterior styling.
On the outside, the SUV is expected to boast a rugged SUV design which will be similar to the standard ICE model. However, it will get a number of EV-specific design cues. The same will be the case with the cabin. Just like the Renault model, Nissan’s SUV will also come with petrol, turbo-petrol, hybrid, and EV powertrain options.
The ICE lineup will include the newly developed 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and the 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine. Similar to the Magnite and Kiger’s HR10 engine strategy, Nissan’s new engine family will be available in both NA and turbo forms. Additionally, it will also be getting the same strong hybrid powertrain as the Bridger.
Nissan is also expected to launch its own electric version of the Bridger SUV in India. This EV will share the same platform, battery options, and electric architecture as the Renault Bridger EV. However, Nissan will most likely give this SUV a unique front and rear design to differentiate it from the Renault counterpart.
The Nissan EV compact SUV is expected to arrive either by the end of 2027 or early 2028. It will become Nissan’s first mass-market electric SUV for India and will compete with the Bridger EV, Tata Nexon.ev, Windsor EV, and others.