The Renault Kardian crossover that was expected in Russia: budget, but not Sandero

The debut market for the compact five-door will now be Brazil, then the model will appear in other developing countries.

The world premiere of the new “B segment urban SUV” — Renault Kardian — took place in Rio de Janeiro. The redesigned “off-road” hatchback Dacia Sandero Stepway of the third generation is being positioned as a separate model, although Renault itself insists that the cars have little in common. The new product from the French brand will not appear in Europe: it is addressed primarily to Latin America, and later the model will reach Africa and, possibly, Southeast Asia. And this will be the first-born of a new non-European model line (we devoted a separate note to Renault’s plans). Well, let us remind you that before the start of the well-known events, the SUV was going to be sold in Russia: production should have been established at AVTOVAZ, although it is not a fact that in our country it would no longer be a Sandero. Now the crossover is no longer in the cards for us — Renault has left the Russian market. However, let's return to Kardian.

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The company claims that the five-door is based on a new modular platform, but did not disclose its name. It is possible that the “new” manufacturer considers the modernized CMF-B “trolley” (Dacia Sandero is based precisely on the original platform). Externally, the SUV differs from the “third” Sandero in the design of the front and rear: the Kardian has two-tier head optics (LED running lights are located on top, the main headlight units are located below), the original radiator grille and bumpers, plus C-shaped rear lights. In addition, the hood and doors were replaced. Models are equipped with 17-inch wheels.

The length of the Renault Kardian (in the specification for Latin America) is 4119 mm, width – 1773 mm, height – 1544 mm, wheeled base – 2604 mm. For comparison, the dimensions of the current Dacia Sandero Stepway are: 4099/1848/1535 mm, the distance between the axles is the same 2604 mm. The ground clearance of the Kardian is 209 mm versus 201 mm for the Dacia cross-hatch (the figures for empty vehicles are indicated). The trunk volume of the new Renault is 410 liters, while the Sandero Stepway compartment holds 328 liters.

Inside, the SUV imitates the Dacia model: there is a similar architecture of the front panel with a “floating” 8-inch multimedia system tablet, the same round pucks with small screens (they are responsible for controlling the “climate”). But the panel itself is different. The Kardian also has its own steering wheel, the central tunnel has also been redesigned, in addition, the five-door has a compact joystick box, and the door panels may have LED lighting. The dashboard has a 7-inch color display. The model also has six airbags, all-round cameras, adaptive cruise control, auto braking and blind spot monitoring systems. Note that the Dacia Sandero Stepway has a regular “cruise” and only one rear view camera.

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In Brazil, which will become the debut market for the Renault Kardian, the model will be offered with an uncontested 1.0 TCe turbocharged engine: traditionally for this country, the engine is “powered” by both gasoline and ethanol, with a maximum output of 125 hp. and 220 Nm. The engine is paired with a six-speed robotic gearbox with two clutches – there will be no manual transmission. In other countries, the engine range may be different, but in any case the drive is exclusively front-wheel drive.

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Renault Kardian production will first be launched at a Brazilian plant, then the model will be “registered” in Morocco. The new SUV will hit the market in the first quarter of next year, prices have not yet been announced.