In the second phase of a €400 million investment announced by Renault and Oyak in collaboration at the end of 2023, a new model is entering production. Following the Duster, it was announced that Renault’s new C-segment SUV, the Boreal, will also be produced in Turkey. Production of the model will begin in 2026 at the Oyak Renault plant in Bursa.
The new Renault Boreal model has been unveiled
The Renault Boreal was developed as part of the brand’s “International Game Plan” strategy, valid until 2027. The model is planned to be exported from Turkey to more than 50 countries, primarily the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Brazil has been designated as the second production location for Latin American markets. The Boreal’s first launch will be in Brazil at the end of 2025. It will be available in Turkey, Latin American countries, and surrounding markets by 2026.
The Boreal is 4.56 meters long, 1.84 meters wide, 1.65 meters high, and has a wheelbase of 2.7 meters. While its design language may appear to have a distinct identity, these dimensions suggest that the model is actually the Renault-branded equivalent of the Dacia Bigster. This transition is considered a continuation of a strategy similar to the previous Renault-badged Duster launch in markets outside Europe.
The model’s first version is equipped with a new-generation 1.3 TCe direct-injection turbocharged engine. This engine, which produces 138 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque in Turkey, will be offered with 156 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque in Latin American markets. The vehicle’s 0-100 km/h time is reported as 9.3 seconds. Power is delivered by a 6-speed dual-clutch EDC automatic transmission.
The Renault Boreal was developed on the Renault Group’s next-generation modular platform. This platform’s ability to quickly adapt to different body styles and technologies both reduces development time and provides cost advantages.
The exterior design features striking headlights inspired by the Niagara concept, while details such as wide fenders, 19-inch wheels, a strong shoulder line, and a panoramic glass roof, along with a two-tone roof, complete the model’s muscular and modern appearance.
The interior features a cockpit equipped with dual 10-inch digital displays. One of these displays serves as a digital instrument cluster, while the other serves as the multimedia system. The vehicle, featuring the Google-based OpenR Link system, includes over 100 apps accessible through Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Play Store.
With 48-color ambient lighting, front seats with massage and memory functions, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 586-liter trunk, the Boreal stands out as an SUV suitable for large families. With the seats folded down, the trunk expands to 1,770 liters.
The Boreal also comes with comprehensive safety and driver assistance systems. Lane keeping assist, blind spot warning, emergency lane keeping, collision mitigation braking, a 360-degree camera, hands-free parking assist, and adaptive LED headlights are standard. Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Centering Assist, which provide Level 2 autonomous driving support, are also among the systems that enhance driving comfort and safety.
