French automaker, Renault has confirmed that it is working on a new SUV on the CMF-B platform and a new 1.0-litre turbocharged engine in Sao Jose dose Pinhais (PR). A new model has been spotted testing in Brazil. It is basically the Dacia Stepway, which is used as a testing bed for the new SUV. The original SUV will be a completely different model and will target emerging markets such as Brazil and India.
The company has opted the Dacia Stepway because its dimensions are very close to the future SUV. To be based on the CMF-B platform, the new SUV will rival the Fiat Pulse and the future Volkswagen compact SUV – called the new VW Gol. The vehicle will have unique styling, but it will share elements with models like the Stepway and Duster. The spotted model was used to test suspension components and base construction.
If reports are to be believed, Renault would be aiming to name the new model – the Clio. The new model could be the successor to the Renault Sandero. The company is also testing the 1.0L turbo engine with the Stepway. Called TCe 90, the engine is a derivative of the 1.0 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine. It won’t be a direct injection unit, but will have a phase variator in intake and exhaust controls, low inertia turbo, variable oil pump, coating on pistons and liners.
In Europe, the 1.0 TCe 90 engine produces 91bhp and 160Nm of torque. The engine will be tuned for higher power output. Chevrolet is also having a 1.0L turbo engine without direct injection. This engine produces 116bhp and 160Nm of torque. The new Renault compact SUV is reportedly to be launched in 2023. It will replace the current Sandero and Stepway and will be positioned below the Duster.
Next-gen Renault Duster
Renault is also working on the third-gen Duster SUV, which will be based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF-B platform. The new model is reportedly to be introduced in 2024. It will share styling cues from the Bigster concept, which will also be launched in 2025 as a 7-seater SUV. The new Duster will also go on sale in the Indian market; however, launch timeline is yet to be revealed. It will come with a hybrid powertrain.
Source – Motor1 Brazil
