Renault Bridger concept previews new light SUV

The Renault Bridger concept is a tough-looking light SUV which will go on sale in India from late 2027.

It features many design elements taken from the larger Renault Duster, including the hidden rear door handles, as well as the shape of the fenders and wheel-arch protectors.

The two cars also eschew Renault’s diamond badge in the grille, opting instead for the Renault word mark.

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Unlike the Duster, the Bridger has much sharper surfacing and detailing, a floating roof look, and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel.

All up, the Bridger leans harder onto its supposed off-road ability, although the availability of all-wheel drive has yet to be confirmed. The concept car rides on 18-inch alloy wheels, and is fitted with a panoramic glass roof and integrated roof rails.

As the Bridger’s length is under four metres it will only attract 18 per cent GST in India, putting it at a significant price advantage over larger vehicles which are slugged with 40 per cent GST.

Renault already has three cars in the sub-4m category: the 3.7m Kwid SUV, the 3.99m Kiger SUV, and the 3.99m Triber mini-people mover.

It’s unclear if the Bridger will replace any of those models, or whether it will be an additional vehicle in the brand’s lineup.

Despite its small size, Renault claims the Bridger is “extremely spacious on the inside” with a 400-litre boot and “a [segment] record” 200mm of knee room for those sitting in the back seat. No doubt some of the boot space is thanks to the tailgate-mounted spare wheel.

Sadly the company has yet to reveal the Bridger’s interior, or provide any details about its drivetrain. Renault’s existing sub-4m cars are fitted with 800cc and 1.0-litre three-cylinder engines, which max out at 74kW and 160Nm for the 1.0-litre turbo.

In order to qualify for India’s 18 per cent GST rate, sub-4m vehicles must have engines with under 1.2 litres of displacement.

A production version of the Bridger will go on sale in India by the end of 2027. It’s unclear if the SUV will come to Australia, but Renault says there will be “gradual roll-out to other international markets” after the car lands in Indian showrooms.

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