Renault has been spotted testing a larger, three‑row version of the upcoming Duster in India, likely to be called the Boreal, though globally it’s inspired by the Dacia Bigster design.
The camouflaged prototype looks noticeably longer than the regular Duster, featuring square wheel arches, a flat roofline, chunky body cladding, roof rails, and LED daytime running lights. Test mules were seen with trade plates from Tamil Nadu, confirming that on‑road testing in India has already begun.
Design & Dimensions Highlights
Early details suggest this new seven‑seater SUV could measure around 4,570 MM in length, 1,810 MM in width, and 1,710 MM in height, about 240 MM longer than the standard five‑seater Duster. The wheelbase is expected to stretch to roughly 2,770 MM, up from the current Duster’s approximate 2,673 MM, which should help improve third‑row space.
In terms of styling, the SUV keeps the rugged DNA with LED DRLs, squared arches, chunky cladding, and roof rails, while adding touches like B‑pillar‑mounted rear door handles and a small rear spoiler. Inside, spy shots hint at a landscape‑oriented 10.1-inch touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, and a panoramic sunroof, reflecting design cues from the Bigster concept.
Powertrains: Hybrid, Petrol, CNG… Even EV?
Though Renault hasn’t confirmed Indian specs yet, the new seven‑seater is expected to share powertrains with the upcoming five‑seater Duster. Likely options include a 1.2 L turbo‑petrol mild‑hybrid.
In addition, Renault may offer a strong‑hybrid version and possibly even a CNG variant for buyers seeking lower running costs. Looking further ahead, a full‑electric version with a dual‑motor all‑wheel‑drive layout could arrive around 2027, giving Renault an EV option in this segment.
Launch Timeline & Rivals
Globally, the seven‑seater Duster is expected to make its official debut on 10 July 2025. For the Indian market, the launch is likely to happen in early 2026, following the rollout of the new five‑seater model.
Positioned above the regular Duster, this larger SUV will go up against established three‑row rivals like the Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, and Mahindra XUV700.
What Buyers Can Expect?
Thanks to its bigger dimensions, buyers can look forward to genuine seven‑seat practicality with better legroom for the third row. The feature list would be competitive too, likely offering a 10.1-inch infotainment display, 7‑inch digital instrument cluster, Level 2 ADAS driver assistance, ventilated seats, automatic climate control, multiple terrain modes, and wireless connectivity.
In terms of safety, the Dacia Bigster, on which this model is based, earned a three‑star Euro NCAP rating, scoring especially well for child occupant protection at 85 %. With petrol, hybrid, mild‑hybrid, CNG, and possibly EV options to fit different budgets and needs.
The upcoming Renault Boreal can mark the brand’s entry into India’s popular seven‑seater SUV space, likely priced in the Rs 18–22 Lakh range (ex-showroom). It would offer strong specs, practical space, and future electrification, but the final India‑specific version will only be clear closer to launch, probably in early 2026.
Image Credit: Turbostart-L7X via YouTube.
