- Renault teased boxy Bridger SUV concept ahead of next week’s reveal.
- The rugged city SUV will be under 4 m (13 ft) long, but roomy inside.
- Production version is aimed at India, Africa and Middle East markets.
Suzuki’s little go-anywhere Jimny SUV is a forbidden fruit for most new car buyers in the West, and it looks like Renault is going to amplify that hurt. The French automaker has teased a new tough, baby SUV built to rival the Jimny, but unless you live in Asia or the Middle East, you won’t be able to get your hands on one.
It’s called the Bridger Concept, and from the limited images released so far it looks like a chunky little off-roader with more attitude than its size suggests. Think city-friendly dimensions with a dash of Land Rover Defender flavor.
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Renault says the Bridger will measure under 4 m (157.5 inches) long, which makes it genuinely compact. For reference, the new Renault 4 stretches to about 4.14 m (163 inches) and the Dacia Duster is closer to 4.34 m (171 inches). So this thing is genuinely small, though Renault promises it will still be surprisingly spacious inside.
The design appears deliberately rugged. The teaser images reveal squared off proportions and a rear mounted spare wheel, which immediately brings to mind cars like the Suzuki Jimny. Whether it can actually tackle serious trails remains to be seen, but visually it’s definitely leaning into the tough SUV look.
Made in India for India
Renault says the concept previews a future production model that will play a key role in the brand’s international expansion plans. That production car will reportedly be designed and developed in India, likely at Renault’s plant in Chennai, but don’t expect to see it in European showrooms. The upcoming SUV is aimed primarily at markets such as India, Africa, and the Middle East.
ICE and hybrid
Powertrain details haven’t been confirmed yet, but given the target markets, which are behind the Western curve on EV takeup, full electrification is probably out of the question. Instead of being a more squared-off Renault 4 then, the production model will probably rely on familiar combustion or hybrid powertrains similar to those used by the latest Renault Duster, an Indian version of Europe’s Dacia SUV.
The entry-level engine in the Renault Duster is a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder producing 99 hp (100 PS), paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. A 1.3-liter turbo’d four making 158 hp (160 PS), this time mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic, is next on the menu, and the flagship has a 1.8-liter hybrid with dual electric motors pushing out the same 158 hp.
We’ll get the full picture when Renault officially reveals the Bridger Concept during its strategy presentation next week. Until then, we’re left with teasers and the slightly frustrating realization that this pint-sized off roader might be an SUV we’d love to get our hands on, but aren’t allowed.
