Renault has taken the covers off its latest offering in the SUV/crossover space which goes by the name Kardian. This SUV has been specially developed for developed markets outside Europe, like Latin America and Africa. The French carmaker unveiled the compact SUV at a recently held press conference in Rio de Janeiro, as part of its global plan till 2027.
The Kardian will be manufactured in Brazil and operations will eventually be carried forward to Morocco too. It will take on the likes of B-segment compact SUVs like Fiat Pulse in Latin American markets. The biggest highlight of Kardian is the new CMF platform on which it is based.
Renault Kardian: Exterior, Interior styling
This new CMF platform will underpin as many as eight models globally primarily aimed at emerging markets. At 4.12 metres, the Kardian sits above the India-spec Kiger but interestingly, it borrows quite a few design cues from the latter. For instance, the C-shaped LED taillamps are directly lifted from the Kiger. Even the side profile and silhouette of the
Up front, the Kardian gets a contemporary split lighting setup with sleek LED DRLs on top and the main headlamps below on the bonnet. Other visual highlights include a blacked-out, multi-layered front grille, a shark fin antenna, adequate dose of faux aluminium inserts, and chunky all-black plastic claddings.
Inside the cabin, the Kardian boasts of a minimalist layout, comprising prominent features like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, ambient lighting, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and a digital instrument cluster. Safety package involves features like six airbags, and as many as 13 functions under the ADAS suite such as blind spot warning system and a multi-view camera system.
Renault Kardian: Engine specs & expected launch
Powering Kardian is a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine that pushes out 123 bhp and 220 Nm of peak torque. This motor will be paired exclusively with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Renault is unlikely to bring the Kardian to India. However, the CMF architecture on which it is based, could underpin some upcoming model(s) for the Indian market. The most prominent car that comes to our mind is the third-gen Duster which is slated to make its global debut on November 29. It is expected to be launched in India by 2025.
