Renault SUV-coupe for emerging markets in the works

Renault has revealed a first teaser image of its first coupe style SUV. The yet unnamed new model is expected to get an unveil at the 2018 Moscow motor show in August.  

The new Renault SUV-coupe will be closely linked to the Captur crossover sold in in emerging markets like India.  Like the Captur and Duster, the new model will be based on the hardy M0 platform that underpins a whole host of Renault and Dacia products. The new model will be about as long as a standard Captur measuring 4.3 m from nose to tail.

The first teaser image gives an idea of the new crossover’s face while spy pics make clear Renault has gone for a raked and almost BMW X4-like rear. The headlamps, grille and front bumper mimic the look of more premium Renault models like the Megane. However, expect Renault to draft elements from the Captur on the inside of the new model, to keep costs in check.

The new crossover is likely to be manufactured initially only in left-hand drive form and will be sold in markets like Russia where the M0-platform based Captur is already on sale. Markets like China could also get their own version of the SUV built on Renault’s CMF-B platform. It is safe to say, Renault will position the SUV coupe as an upmarket alternative to the Captur. There are talks of this model to be sold under the Dacia brand as well. 

It is unlikely that the new coupe SUV will make it to India though. As it is, the capable Captur’s bold crossover design has not quite found favour with Indian buyers who prefer traditional, upright stance on their SUVs; an SUV coupe might not do well in the mass market segment.

Would you be interested in a well-priced SUV-coupe? Or do you like your SUVs more traditional in look? Let us know in the comments section below.