Renault Boreal (Bigster) Set to Launch in India in Mid-2026: Complete Specifications and Expected Price

Main Takeaway: The Renault Boreal, globally known as the Dacia Bigster, will arrive in India in mid-2026 as a three-row, C-segment SUV. Expected ex-showroom pricing ranges from ₹13 lakh to ₹18 lakh. It offers a 1.3 L turbo-petrol engine (160 PS/270 Nm), six-speed EDC, seating for seven, and a tech-rich cabin.

Introduction

Renault revives its Duster lineage with the Boreal, previewed in Brazil and Turkey, and set for India in mid-2026 under the Bigster nameplate. Priced competitively at ₹13–18 lakh (ex-showroom), the Boreal targets families seeking seven-seat practicality, modern design, and engaging performance. Built on the CMF-B platform, it blends Duster familiarity with fresh proportions and premium features.

Launch Details and Market Positioning

Bookings open in April 2026, ahead of deliveries from July 2026. Manufactured at Renault’s global CMF-B plants, the Boreal competes with the Hyundai Alcazar (₹15–19 lakh), Mahindra XUV700 (₹16–27 lakh), Tata Safari (₹16–29 lakh), and MG Hector Plus (₹17–26 lakh). Renault India emphasises its value proposition—three rows, European engineering, and an EMI-friendly price.

Expected Pricing and Variants

Variant	Ex-Showroom Price (₹)	Powertrain
Boreal Turbo-Petrol MT	13–15 lakh	1.3 L turbo-petrol (160 PS, 270 Nm), 6-speed EDC
Boreal Turbo-Petrol AT	15–18 lakh	1.3 L turbo-petrol (160 PS, 270 Nm), 6-speed EDC

A single engine with two transmission choices simplifies the lineup and ensures broad appeal across urban and highway use cases.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Engine	1.3 L turbo-petrol
Power	160 PS @ 5,500 rpm
Torque	270 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm
Transmission	6-speed EDC
Drivetrain	Front-wheel drive
0–100 km/h	9.6 s
Top Speed	200 km/h
Fuel Efficiency	14–16 km/l
Length × Width × Height	4,556 × 1,841 × 1,650 mm
Wheelbase	2,702 mm
Ground Clearance	213 mm
Seating Capacity	7
Boot Space	522 L (5-seater); expandable to 1,279 L
Suspension	MacPherson strut front, torsion beam rear
Brakes	Disc all-round

Exterior Design and Features

The Boreal retains Dacia Bigster’s upright stance with short overhangs, squared wheel arches, and 19-inch diamond-cut alloys. Key styling cues include a body-coloured grille with backlit “R” logo, slim full-LED headlamps, plastic skid plates, and dual-tone paint options (Deep Forest Green, Arctic Silver, Royal Burgundy). A panoramic sunroof and roof rails add to its SUV character.

Interior Features and Technology

Inside, the Boreal offers dual 10-inch OpenR screens (digital cluster and Google-native infotainment), ambient LED lighting (48 colours), and premium Harman Kardon audio tuned by Jean-Michel Jarre. Comfort and convenience include:

Dual-zone climate control
Rear AC vents and USB-C ports
Electric driver’s seat with memory and massage
Refrigerated centre console
Third-row seating with ample legroom

Safety and ADAS highlights comprise lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, AEB, adaptive cruise control, and a 360° camera.

Competition Analysis

Model	Price (₹)	Engine & Power	Key Differentiator
Renault Boreal	13–18 lakh	1.3 L turbo, 160 PS	Seven-seater; European platform
Hyundai Alcazar	15–19 lakh	1.5 L turbo, 160 PS	Proven reliability; third row comfort
Mahindra XUV700	16–27 lakh	2.0 L turbo, 200 PS	Feature-rich; AWD option
Tata Safari	16–29 lakh	2.0 L diesel, 170 PS	Strong off-road image; robust build
MG Hector Plus	17–26 lakh	1.5 L turbo, 143 PS	Connected tech; spacious cabin

The Boreal’s combination of price, performance, and seven-seat utility makes it a compelling alternative in this segment.

Expected Timeline and Availability

Bookings Open: April 2026
Launch: July 2026
Deliveries: From August 2026
Dealership Network: Expanded Renault showrooms with dedicated Bigster demo units and third-row seating experience.

Verdict

The Renault Boreal revives the Duster legacy with three-row practicality, modern styling, and premium tech at an accessible price. Its seven-seater layout, European CMF-B underpinnings, and advanced driver assists position it strongly against established rivals. With its mid-2026 launch, the Boreal is set to redefine family mobility in India’s SUV-hungry market.