Renault teases Bridger concept, a rugged compact SUV for global market

Ahead of its full reveal on 10 March, Renault has announced the name of its upcoming show car: the Bridger Concept. The vehicle offers a preview of a new production SUV designed to sit below the Duster in the company's line-up and target markets outside Europe.

Described as an urban SUV under four metres in length, the Bridger Concept promises a spacious interior despite its compact footprint. The teaser image suggests a boxy, rugged design with a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, reminiscent of traditional off-roaders such as the Suzuki Jimny.

The production version will be designed and developed in India, where Renault already has a manufacturing plant in Chennai. The sub-four-metre length is significant for the Indian market as it qualifies for favourable tax treatment under local regulations. It is expected to sit between the smaller Kiger and the larger new Duster in Renault's Indian line-up.

Renault already offers a wide range of SUVs of various sizes around the world, including the Captur, Austral, Rafale and Duster. The Bridger is positioned as a more affordable entry-level option for regions including India, Africa and the Middle East, and is expected to have combustion engines rather than electrified powertrains.