Spied - Renault's Qashqai-based compact SUV to be revealed in Geneva
Will use the new Renault-Nissan CMF platform.
Renault is working on a new compact SUV, which according to reports is based on the Nissan Qashqai. The test mule seen here was snapped by World Car Fans reader Mr. Eduardo, and was earlier mistaken to be the next generation Koleos. However, the new Koleos is not due until 2016, and the crossover seen here would be an all-new model for the French carmaker.
As it is based on the Qashqai, the new SUV too uses the CMF modular platform which is developed by Renault and Nissan. The C-Segment crossover would challenge the likes of the Honda CR-V and the new Suzuki Vitara, not to mention the Qashqai itself.
In Renault's product portfolio, the new SUV will be positioned above the super-hit Captur, which is a B-segment crossover introduced last year. Since the Captur was introduced, Renault has already made over 200,000 units of it, and struggles to make enough cars to satisfy demand.
In the C-segment crossover space, alliance partner Nissan has sold about 1.5 million units of the Qashqai across Europe. These numbers should have provided enough motivation for Renault to come out with the new SUV.
Also read: 2015 Renault Espace revealed at the Paris Motor Show
Early reports say that the SUV will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show which takes place in March next year.
Competitors: Nissan Qashqai, Suzuki Vitara, Honda CR-V
Expected Price: From 18,000 GBP (INR 18 lakhs)
Launch date in Europe: 2015
[Images from World Car Fans]