Renault Working On A Sub-Compact SUV to Position Below Duster?

Renault, the French automaker, is working on a mini SUV which, if comes to India, will be positioned below the Duster. The company has in fact started testing the vehicle outside India and might unveil it sometime next year. A French Magazine, Auto Plus, too has claimed that Renault is working on a sub-Duster SUV for the Indian

market that will be launched at quite an affordable price. The company might also launch the product in Europe and position it below the Captur.

Talking about the looks, it will share its design cues with other Renault crossovers like Sandero Stepway (also sold under Dacia badge) and Captur. The front fascia will take its inspiration from the Sandero Stepway, but it will have the facelifted Duster inspired grille. The rear profile, on the other hand, looks similar to that of the Captur.

Now about the engines, Renault India has an option to utilise the similar powertrains - 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre K9K diesel, that are found in the Pulse in similar state of tunes. Though the company might also consider detuning the 1.5-litre engine to avail the excise duty benefit given to the sub-4 metre cars with a diesel engine below or equal to 1300cc capacity.

In the next 2 years, Renault is also contemplating an entry-level hatchback and an MPV for the Indian market.

Note: The imgae used above is of Sandero Stepway for representational purpose.