Latest news with #DaciaBigster
IOL News
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
New Renault Boreal, a potentially affordable family-sized SUV, is on the radar for South Africa
The Renault Boreal is likely to arrive in late 2026 or early 2027. Renault has revealed a brand new SUV product called the Boreal, and it will be sold in emerging markets outside of Europe. South Africa is also on the radar for the new product, with the French brand's local representative confirming to IOL that the newcomer is under consideration for late 2026 or early 2027. Based on the Dacia Bigster, Renault Boreal is larger than the Duster, but its overall length of 4,560mm makes it marginally smaller than established C-segment SUVs such as the Toyota Rav4. Aimed at emerging markets and set to be built in Brazil and Turkey, the Boreal is likely to be more affordable than similarly-sized rivals. However, it is still too early to speculate on its pricing in markets like South Africa.
The Advertiser
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Renault Boreal: Global version of Dacia Bigster revealed
The Dacia Bigster — the budget brand's largest SUV to date — has been given a glow up and transformed into the Renault Boreal for sale in Latin America, the Middle East and parts of Mediterranean basin. With Dacia largely confined to Europe, Renault has rebadged many models from its Romanian marque for sale in other markets, primarily Africa and Latin America. Typically this involves swapping Dacia badges for Renault ones, and maybe tweaking the grille. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Boreal goes a step further by having completely distinct exterior panels, except for maybe the roof. Up front, the simple lines of the Bigster have given way for a split headlight treatment integrated into an egg-crate grille. Along the sides the Boreal has smoother surfacing, and a vast section of chiselled faux brushed metal trim on the D-pillar. At the back, the Boreal ditches the Bigster's awkward arrowhead tail-lights for a set that wouldn't look out of place on a Skoda. Despite these changes, the Boreal is clearly very closely related to Bigster with the two sharing the same overall shape, as well as door apertures, and both feature hidden rear door handles. The Boreal is 4556mm long, 1841mm wide, 1650mm tall, and rides on a 2702mm wheelbase. Boot space with a rear seats up is rated at 522 litres. The differences continue on the inside, with the Bigster having its own unique dashboard design where the 10.0-inch instrumentation screen flows into the 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the Bigster's interior makes a virtue of its assortment of hard, but durable plastic, the Boreal's dash has soft-touch material. The Renault also features more realistic-looking faux metal elements, leather-look seats with contrast stitching, and more generously padded armrests, at least up front. The Boreal will be made in Brazil for Latin American markets from late 2025, and in Turkey for the Middle East and Mediterranean basin some time in 2026. While the Bigster is available with a choice of mild-hybrid and hybrid drivetrains, as well as the option of all-wheel drive and a manual transmission, the Boreal will be available exclusively with a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine matched with six-speed dual-clutch automated transmission. For Boreals made in Turkey the engine develops 103kW and 240Nm, while Brazil-made models are available in petrol or FlexFuel derivatives, the latter of which can use almost any mixture of petrol and alcohol. Brazilian petrol models make 116kW, and FlexFuel variants develop 122kW and 270Nm. Available features include dual-zone climate control, a refrigerated centre bin, and a Harmon Kardon sound system. The infotainment system runs on the Android Automotive operating system with built-in Google Maps for navigation and Google Assistant voice recognition, and has access to the Google Play app store. Safety items include blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking, safe exit monitoring, and drowsiness alerts. The Dacia Bigster (above) was launched at the end of 2024. Closely related to the third-generation Dacia Duster, both cars use the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance's CMF-B LS platform. While the Duster has been sold as a Renault in many global markets since the first generation, it has only just landed in Australia No word yet on whether the Boreal will be sold in Australia, but so far it doesn't look like the car will be produced in right-hand drive. MORE: Everything Renault Content originally sourced from: The Dacia Bigster — the budget brand's largest SUV to date — has been given a glow up and transformed into the Renault Boreal for sale in Latin America, the Middle East and parts of Mediterranean basin. With Dacia largely confined to Europe, Renault has rebadged many models from its Romanian marque for sale in other markets, primarily Africa and Latin America. Typically this involves swapping Dacia badges for Renault ones, and maybe tweaking the grille. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Boreal goes a step further by having completely distinct exterior panels, except for maybe the roof. Up front, the simple lines of the Bigster have given way for a split headlight treatment integrated into an egg-crate grille. Along the sides the Boreal has smoother surfacing, and a vast section of chiselled faux brushed metal trim on the D-pillar. At the back, the Boreal ditches the Bigster's awkward arrowhead tail-lights for a set that wouldn't look out of place on a Skoda. Despite these changes, the Boreal is clearly very closely related to Bigster with the two sharing the same overall shape, as well as door apertures, and both feature hidden rear door handles. The Boreal is 4556mm long, 1841mm wide, 1650mm tall, and rides on a 2702mm wheelbase. Boot space with a rear seats up is rated at 522 litres. The differences continue on the inside, with the Bigster having its own unique dashboard design where the 10.0-inch instrumentation screen flows into the 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the Bigster's interior makes a virtue of its assortment of hard, but durable plastic, the Boreal's dash has soft-touch material. The Renault also features more realistic-looking faux metal elements, leather-look seats with contrast stitching, and more generously padded armrests, at least up front. The Boreal will be made in Brazil for Latin American markets from late 2025, and in Turkey for the Middle East and Mediterranean basin some time in 2026. While the Bigster is available with a choice of mild-hybrid and hybrid drivetrains, as well as the option of all-wheel drive and a manual transmission, the Boreal will be available exclusively with a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine matched with six-speed dual-clutch automated transmission. For Boreals made in Turkey the engine develops 103kW and 240Nm, while Brazil-made models are available in petrol or FlexFuel derivatives, the latter of which can use almost any mixture of petrol and alcohol. Brazilian petrol models make 116kW, and FlexFuel variants develop 122kW and 270Nm. Available features include dual-zone climate control, a refrigerated centre bin, and a Harmon Kardon sound system. The infotainment system runs on the Android Automotive operating system with built-in Google Maps for navigation and Google Assistant voice recognition, and has access to the Google Play app store. Safety items include blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking, safe exit monitoring, and drowsiness alerts. The Dacia Bigster (above) was launched at the end of 2024. Closely related to the third-generation Dacia Duster, both cars use the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance's CMF-B LS platform. While the Duster has been sold as a Renault in many global markets since the first generation, it has only just landed in Australia No word yet on whether the Boreal will be sold in Australia, but so far it doesn't look like the car will be produced in right-hand drive. MORE: Everything Renault Content originally sourced from: The Dacia Bigster — the budget brand's largest SUV to date — has been given a glow up and transformed into the Renault Boreal for sale in Latin America, the Middle East and parts of Mediterranean basin. With Dacia largely confined to Europe, Renault has rebadged many models from its Romanian marque for sale in other markets, primarily Africa and Latin America. Typically this involves swapping Dacia badges for Renault ones, and maybe tweaking the grille. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Boreal goes a step further by having completely distinct exterior panels, except for maybe the roof. Up front, the simple lines of the Bigster have given way for a split headlight treatment integrated into an egg-crate grille. Along the sides the Boreal has smoother surfacing, and a vast section of chiselled faux brushed metal trim on the D-pillar. At the back, the Boreal ditches the Bigster's awkward arrowhead tail-lights for a set that wouldn't look out of place on a Skoda. Despite these changes, the Boreal is clearly very closely related to Bigster with the two sharing the same overall shape, as well as door apertures, and both feature hidden rear door handles. The Boreal is 4556mm long, 1841mm wide, 1650mm tall, and rides on a 2702mm wheelbase. Boot space with a rear seats up is rated at 522 litres. The differences continue on the inside, with the Bigster having its own unique dashboard design where the 10.0-inch instrumentation screen flows into the 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the Bigster's interior makes a virtue of its assortment of hard, but durable plastic, the Boreal's dash has soft-touch material. The Renault also features more realistic-looking faux metal elements, leather-look seats with contrast stitching, and more generously padded armrests, at least up front. The Boreal will be made in Brazil for Latin American markets from late 2025, and in Turkey for the Middle East and Mediterranean basin some time in 2026. While the Bigster is available with a choice of mild-hybrid and hybrid drivetrains, as well as the option of all-wheel drive and a manual transmission, the Boreal will be available exclusively with a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine matched with six-speed dual-clutch automated transmission. For Boreals made in Turkey the engine develops 103kW and 240Nm, while Brazil-made models are available in petrol or FlexFuel derivatives, the latter of which can use almost any mixture of petrol and alcohol. Brazilian petrol models make 116kW, and FlexFuel variants develop 122kW and 270Nm. Available features include dual-zone climate control, a refrigerated centre bin, and a Harmon Kardon sound system. The infotainment system runs on the Android Automotive operating system with built-in Google Maps for navigation and Google Assistant voice recognition, and has access to the Google Play app store. Safety items include blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking, safe exit monitoring, and drowsiness alerts. The Dacia Bigster (above) was launched at the end of 2024. Closely related to the third-generation Dacia Duster, both cars use the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance's CMF-B LS platform. While the Duster has been sold as a Renault in many global markets since the first generation, it has only just landed in Australia No word yet on whether the Boreal will be sold in Australia, but so far it doesn't look like the car will be produced in right-hand drive. MORE: Everything Renault Content originally sourced from: The Dacia Bigster — the budget brand's largest SUV to date — has been given a glow up and transformed into the Renault Boreal for sale in Latin America, the Middle East and parts of Mediterranean basin. With Dacia largely confined to Europe, Renault has rebadged many models from its Romanian marque for sale in other markets, primarily Africa and Latin America. Typically this involves swapping Dacia badges for Renault ones, and maybe tweaking the grille. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Boreal goes a step further by having completely distinct exterior panels, except for maybe the roof. Up front, the simple lines of the Bigster have given way for a split headlight treatment integrated into an egg-crate grille. Along the sides the Boreal has smoother surfacing, and a vast section of chiselled faux brushed metal trim on the D-pillar. At the back, the Boreal ditches the Bigster's awkward arrowhead tail-lights for a set that wouldn't look out of place on a Skoda. Despite these changes, the Boreal is clearly very closely related to Bigster with the two sharing the same overall shape, as well as door apertures, and both feature hidden rear door handles. The Boreal is 4556mm long, 1841mm wide, 1650mm tall, and rides on a 2702mm wheelbase. Boot space with a rear seats up is rated at 522 litres. The differences continue on the inside, with the Bigster having its own unique dashboard design where the 10.0-inch instrumentation screen flows into the 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the Bigster's interior makes a virtue of its assortment of hard, but durable plastic, the Boreal's dash has soft-touch material. The Renault also features more realistic-looking faux metal elements, leather-look seats with contrast stitching, and more generously padded armrests, at least up front. The Boreal will be made in Brazil for Latin American markets from late 2025, and in Turkey for the Middle East and Mediterranean basin some time in 2026. While the Bigster is available with a choice of mild-hybrid and hybrid drivetrains, as well as the option of all-wheel drive and a manual transmission, the Boreal will be available exclusively with a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine matched with six-speed dual-clutch automated transmission. For Boreals made in Turkey the engine develops 103kW and 240Nm, while Brazil-made models are available in petrol or FlexFuel derivatives, the latter of which can use almost any mixture of petrol and alcohol. Brazilian petrol models make 116kW, and FlexFuel variants develop 122kW and 270Nm. Available features include dual-zone climate control, a refrigerated centre bin, and a Harmon Kardon sound system. The infotainment system runs on the Android Automotive operating system with built-in Google Maps for navigation and Google Assistant voice recognition, and has access to the Google Play app store. Safety items include blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking, safe exit monitoring, and drowsiness alerts. The Dacia Bigster (above) was launched at the end of 2024. Closely related to the third-generation Dacia Duster, both cars use the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance's CMF-B LS platform. While the Duster has been sold as a Renault in many global markets since the first generation, it has only just landed in Australia No word yet on whether the Boreal will be sold in Australia, but so far it doesn't look like the car will be produced in right-hand drive. MORE: Everything Renault Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Renault Boreal: Global version of Dacia Bigster revealed
The Dacia Bigster — the budget brand's largest SUV to date — has been given a glow up and transformed into the Renault Boreal for sale in Latin America, the Middle East and parts of Mediterranean basin. With Dacia largely confined to Europe, Renault has rebadged many models from its Romanian marque for sale in other markets, primarily Africa and Latin America. Typically this involves swapping Dacia badges for Renault ones, and maybe tweaking the grille. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Boreal goes a step further by having completely distinct exterior panels, except for maybe the roof. Up front, the simple lines of the Bigster have given way for a split headlight treatment integrated into an egg-crate grille. Along the sides the Boreal has smoother surfacing, and a vast section of chiselled faux brushed metal trim on the D-pillar. At the back, the Boreal ditches the Bigster's awkward arrowhead tail-lights for a set that wouldn't look out of place on a Skoda. Despite these changes, the Boreal is clearly very closely related to Bigster with the two sharing the same overall shape, as well as door apertures, and both feature hidden rear door handles. The Boreal is 4556mm long, 1841mm wide, 1650mm tall, and rides on a 2702mm wheelbase. Boot space with a rear seats up is rated at 522 litres. The differences continue on the inside, with the Bigster having its own unique dashboard design where the 10.0-inch instrumentation screen flows into the 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the Bigster's interior makes a virtue of its assortment of hard, but durable plastic, the Boreal's dash has soft-touch material. The Renault also features more realistic-looking faux metal elements, leather-look seats with contrast stitching, and more generously padded armrests, at least up front. The Boreal will be made in Brazil for Latin American markets from late 2025, and in Turkey for the Middle East and Mediterranean basin some time in 2026. While the Bigster is available with a choice of mild-hybrid and hybrid drivetrains, as well as the option of all-wheel drive and a manual transmission, the Boreal will be available exclusively with a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine matched with six-speed dual-clutch automated transmission. For Boreals made in Turkey the engine develops 103kW and 240Nm, while Brazil-made models are available in petrol or FlexFuel derivatives, the latter of which can use almost any mixture of petrol and alcohol. Brazilian petrol models make 116kW, and FlexFuel variants develop 122kW and 270Nm. Available features include dual-zone climate control, a refrigerated centre bin, and a Harmon Kardon sound system. The infotainment system runs on the Android Automotive operating system with built-in Google Maps for navigation and Google Assistant voice recognition, and has access to the Google Play app store. Safety items include blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking, safe exit monitoring, and drowsiness alerts. The Dacia Bigster (above) was launched at the end of 2024. Closely related to the third-generation Dacia Duster, both cars use the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance's CMF-B LS platform. While the Duster has been sold as a Renault in many global markets since the first generation, it has only just landed in Australia No word yet on whether the Boreal will be sold in Australia, but so far it doesn't look like the car will be produced in right-hand drive.
Perth Now
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Renault Boreal: Global version of Dacia Bigster revealed
The Dacia Bigster — the budget brand's largest SUV to date — has been given a glow up and transformed into the Renault Boreal for sale in Latin America, the Middle East and parts of Mediterranean basin. With Dacia largely confined to Europe, Renault has rebadged many models from its Romanian marque for sale in other markets, primarily Africa and Latin America. Typically this involves swapping Dacia badges for Renault ones, and maybe tweaking the grille. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The Boreal goes a step further by having completely distinct exterior panels, except for maybe the roof. Up front, the simple lines of the Bigster have given way for a split headlight treatment integrated into an egg-crate grille. Along the sides the Boreal has smoother surfacing, and a vast section of chiselled faux brushed metal trim on the D-pillar. At the back, the Boreal ditches the Bigster's awkward arrowhead tail-lights for a set that wouldn't look out of place on a Skoda. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Despite these changes, the Boreal is clearly very closely related to Bigster with the two sharing the same overall shape, as well as door apertures, and both feature hidden rear door handles. The Boreal is 4556mm long, 1841mm wide, 1650mm tall, and rides on a 2702mm wheelbase. Boot space with a rear seats up is rated at 522 litres. The differences continue on the inside, with the Bigster having its own unique dashboard design where the 10.0-inch instrumentation screen flows into the 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert While the Bigster's interior makes a virtue of its assortment of hard, but durable plastic, the Boreal's dash has soft-touch material. The Renault also features more realistic-looking faux metal elements, leather-look seats with contrast stitching, and more generously padded armrests, at least up front. The Boreal will be made in Brazil for Latin American markets from late 2025, and in Turkey for the Middle East and Mediterranean basin some time in 2026. While the Bigster is available with a choice of mild-hybrid and hybrid drivetrains, as well as the option of all-wheel drive and a manual transmission, the Boreal will be available exclusively with a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine matched with six-speed dual-clutch automated transmission. Supplied Credit: CarExpert For Boreals made in Turkey the engine develops 103kW and 240Nm, while Brazil-made models are available in petrol or FlexFuel derivatives, the latter of which can use almost any mixture of petrol and alcohol. Brazilian petrol models make 116kW, and FlexFuel variants develop 122kW and 270Nm. Available features include dual-zone climate control, a refrigerated centre bin, and a Harmon Kardon sound system. The infotainment system runs on the Android Automotive operating system with built-in Google Maps for navigation and Google Assistant voice recognition, and has access to the Google Play app store. Safety items include blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking, safe exit monitoring, and drowsiness alerts. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert The Dacia Bigster (above) was launched at the end of 2024. Closely related to the third-generation Dacia Duster, both cars use the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance's CMF-B LS platform. While the Duster has been sold as a Renault in many global markets since the first generation, it has only just landed in Australia No word yet on whether the Boreal will be sold in Australia, but so far it doesn't look like the car will be produced in right-hand drive. MORE: Everything Renault
Daily Mail
29-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I slept in my car 1,500m up the Alps - here's the luxurious element that made it much more comfortable than a tent
Like many people around the world, I've been camping plenty of times, and always in the standard way - with a trusted tent and sleeping bag, and stones on the ground in place of a mattress. But the idea of camping in a car is a new one on me - especially as the vehicle I'm spending the night in has a very comfy mattress and refrigerated drinks compartment included. Not only that, but I'm parked 1,500m up the Alps, with a perfect view of a snow-covered Mont Blanc peak in front of me, and grassy, imposing hills, peaks and mountain ranges on either side. It's a far cry from what I've been used to - roughing it in muddy fields and competing with huge families for the toilets and showers. I've driven up to the Mayeres Refuge in Sallanches - only accessible by foot or 4x4 vehicle - in a Dacia Bigster, along with only five other cars parked up to spend the night outside. While there's no nearby coffee shops or supermarkets to escape to, there's also no risk of being surrounded by screaming kids or loud snorers in the tent next door. However, as with any camping trip, the biggest challenge is setting up the tent - or, in this case, the car's Sleep Pack. It's available for £1,740 as an add-on when you buy a Dacia Bigster, Jogger or Duster, and is already halfway surmounted to begin - with no need to assemble any poles, dig holes into the grass, or fight with anyone else about which way up things go. It really is quite simple. The back seats of the car flip down and - hey, presto - a sleep pack essentially folds out inside the car to create a mattress. Underneath the box is storage space, so I have none of the usual hassle of condensation leaving my trainers soggy, and the storage box even flips out into a ledge or table. So with my 'bedroom' in order, I manage to set myself up with coffee and a book to enjoy the vast landscape and the quiet, before rolling over on to my comfy mattress to gaze up at the stars through the sunroof without a hint of pollution. The view is magical, and the perfect way to ease me into one of the other big challenges of camping - getting a full seven hours. And, thanks to no loud snorers in the tent next door, as well as amazing blackout blinds, I'm far more comfortable than I've ever been in a standard tent. In fact, I sleep all the way through to my 5.30am alarm (no way was I missing the sunrise over the top of Mont Blanc) and I'm not mad about the early wakeup at all. The first two hours of the morning, spent entirely alone, watching the sun rise over the mountain range, while tucked into a cosy nest of pillows, are beyond compare. There was no need to worry about being too far away from civilisation. I'm truly disconnected from the hustle of London and the big city, without any WiFi to so much as check in with my friends, and all I can think about is these beautiful views - pink, orange and blue haze from all angles. Even if you aren't a huge fan of the outdoors, there is something indescribable about an alpine sunrise - and here, the silence only adds to it. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.
