Renault recently unveiled a new crossover - the Kadjar - which will be positioned above the Duster SUV globally. The company is also working on a small SUV, will sit below the best-selling Duster. Other than the aforementioned SUVs, the French automaker is working on a new 7-seater SUV to replace the ageing Koleos in 2017.
Speaking to media, Laurens Van den Acker, Renault's design boss, said, "It's much more than just a big Kadjar - the proportions are slightly different, the positioning is more high end. We are going for a different type of customer. It will sit just underneath the Espace, which for me remains the flagship of the brand. Not many markets will take the D-crossover and the Espace. The D-crossover is mainly for Asia, where it will replace the Koleos, and there is no Espace in Asia. It will be sportier; it will be younger than the Espace."
Here are 5 things that you should know about this upcoming 7-seater SUV.
1. The new SUV will be positioned between the Kadjar crossover and the Espace, globally.
2. It will be based on Renault-Nissan's new CMF (Common Module Family) platform, and will be good for both on and off-roads.
3. Renault is yet to confirm if the Koleos' replacement will be retain the Koleos brand name or not, though some media reports suggest that it will get a new name.
4. Since the vehicle is in its initial stage, expect it be rolled out only in 2017. Upon its launch it will take on the likes of Nissan X-Trail, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour.
5. Though the company hasn't specifically mentioned about its India launch, it should replace the slow-selling Koleos in India as well.
