Surprise as Renault starts teases new Bridger Concept ‘urban SUV’
Although billed as a Suzuki Jimny rival, the Bridger is not expected to feature a four-wheel drive system.
In an unexpected surprise, Renault has released a new teaser image depicting a concept SUV set to take-up station below the Duster.
No Jimny rival
Called the Bridger Concept, the sub-four metre SUV will make its formal debut on 10 March as the latest concept made at Renault’s Chennai plant in India.
While billed as a rival for the Suzuki Jimny, the Bridger is classified as an urban SUV, suggesting it will do without a four-wheel drive system.
ALSO READ: South Africa-bound, Indian-made Renault Duster shows itself
As such, it will be similar to the Indian-made Duster, which lacks an all-paw gripping system compared to the European example having such a setup in place.
At the same time, it won’t succeed the Kiger, but rather place above it and below the Duster in Renault India’s product line-up.
What to expect?
Teased in a single image showing Defender-inspired taillight clusters and a spare wheel fixed to the tailgate, the Bridger will provide seating for five and, unlike the Jimny, forego a three-door bodystyle entirely for a five-door configuration only.
Its name representing “robustness, connection and link” as per it being derived from “bridge”, the Bridger will also be “no compromising on interior space” SUV despite it measuring under 4 000 mm.
Up front, Autocar India reports that power will likely come from the same 1.0-litre turbocharged engine as the Kiger.
This would mean outputs of 74kW/160Nm when specified with the five-speed manual gearbox, and 152 Nm when mated to the optional CVT.
“The name Renault Bridger is part of the same approach as the name of Renault Duster,” Renault’s Head of Naming Strategy, Sylvia dos Santos, said in a statement.
“It’s a powerful, robust and versatile name, ideal to identify our new urban SUV show-car and open a new page in our international offensive”.
Coming to South Africa?
While Renault’s statement revealed no further details, the Autocar India report claims production will start in 2027, with South Africa mentioned as a key export market.
With less than a week left before its reveal, don’t be surprise if more teaser emerge before then.
NOW READ: Suzuki Jimny 5-door tames the urban jungle with relative ease
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Surprising Announcement: Renault Teases New Bridger Concept ‘Urban SUV’
Although marketed as a competitor to the Suzuki Jimny, the Bridger is unlikely to include a four-wheel drive system.
In a surprising turn of events, Renault has unveiled a new teaser image showcasing a concept SUV positioned below the Duster.
Not a Jimny Rival
Named the Bridger Concept, this sub-four metre SUV is set to make its official debut on 10 March at Renault’s Chennai facility in India.
Though presented as a competitor to the Suzuki Jimny, the Bridger is categorized as an urban SUV, indicating it will omit a four-wheel drive system.
ALSO READ: South Africa-bound, Indian-made Renault Duster has been revealed
In this context, it will be akin to the Indian-made Duster, which does not feature the all-wheel drive system present in its European counterpart.
Furthermore, it will not replace the Kiger, but rather will be positioned above it and below the Duster in Renault India’s lineup.
What to Anticipate?
Teased in a singular image featuring Defender-inspired taillights and a spare wheel mounted on the tailgate, the Bridger will accommodate five passengers and will exclusively offer a five-door configuration, unlike the Jimny’s three-door option.
Its name, derived from “bridge,” symbolizes “robustness, connection, and link.” The Bridger promises “no compromises on interior space” despite its sub-4,000 mm measurement.
Up front, Autocar India suggests that power is expected to come from the same 1.0-litre turbocharged engine used in the Kiger.
This would yield outputs of 74 kW/160 Nm with the five-speed manual gearbox and 152 Nm when paired with the optional CVT.
“The name Renault Bridger follows the same philosophy as the Renault Duster,” said Sylvia dos Santos, Renault’s Head of Naming Strategy. “It’s a powerful, robust, and versatile name, perfectly suited for our new urban SUV concept and marks a new chapter in our international strategy.”
Will it Come to South Africa?
While Renault has not provided additional details, the report from Autocar India indicates that production is set to commence in 2027, with South Africa highlighted as a significant export market.
With less than a week until its official reveal, more teasers may be expected shortly.
NOW READ: Suzuki Jimny 5-door conquers the urban jungle with ease
Support Local Journalism
Designate The Citizen as a Preferred Source on Google and follow us on Google News to access more of our reliable reporting in Google News and Top Stories.