Renault to launch EcoSport rival

Making the most from the SUV growth in India, Renault is planning its SUV onslaught in the Indian market with a new compact SUV to rival the Ford EcoSport. The new compact SUV will be based on the Dacia Sandero Stepway and will be launched in 2017.

The Renault/Dacia Sandero Stepway is a crossover/compact SUV that measures 4 metres in length and has a ground clearance of 207mm. Renault is likely to fit the 1.5 litre 83 bhp diesel engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and may also offer it in a petrol version. It will come with features such as ABS, Airbags, Emergency Brake Assist, 7-inch touchscreen Media-Nav system, steering mounted controls, cruise control, reverse parking sensors, gear shift indicator, roof rails and bumper claddings.

Renault will be bringing the Sandero Stepway in 2017 and the Duster will be offered in a seven-seater version. We were the first ones to share the pics of the seven-seater Duster, which is being tested in Europe currently.

The Sandero Stepaway is the crossover version of the Sandero hatchback and shares the same platform as the Duster. Expect it to have similar handling dynamics, as well as ride quality to the Duster. The Sandero Stepway will be a value for money package and Renault will price it aggressively to take on the popular Ford Ecosport and also other crossovers like Hyundai i20 Active. Though its too early to say what will be the name of the SUV. But this will be getting premium styling and interiors. There will be an in-dash touchscreen system with satelitte navigation and reverse parking camera or sensor.