India-bound Renault Kaptur crossover teased

Renault’s Russian arm has released a teaser image and video of its upcoming Kaptur 4x4 crossover, which is slated to be unveiled in Russia on 30^th March, 2016. To be produced at Renault’s Moscow plant, a rebadged version of the Kaptur, with a different name, will also make its way to India sometime later in 2017 or early 2018.

If you’re wondering where you’ve heard that name before, it is because of the European-spec Captur, a smaller sibling to the new Kaptur with similar design language. The Kaptur is smaller than the Captur, with its total length expected to exceed 4.4 metres. This also means that it will be longer than the Duster, which stands at 4.3 metres. This is also a very likely indicator that the Kaptur will have space to seat 7 adults, but will also be offered in 5-seater configuration.

From what we can see in the teaser image and video, the Kaptur will be a stylish and more upmarket offering compared to both the Captur and Duster. It is possible that it will share Renault and Dacia’s M-Zero platform that also underpins the Duster at present. Design wise, we can just barely make out a wider grille, new bumper, and newly styled C-shaped LED daytime running lamps at the front. Other visible details here include a muscular hood outline, flower-pattern wheels and a prominent Renault logo located on the grille.

The Kaptur is likely to be powered by Renault’s TCe 90 and TCe 120 turbocharged petrol and dCi 90 diesel engines. Transmission choices will include five- and six-speed manuals as well as a six-speed AMT Easy-R single-clutch automatic. All-wheel drive will be a likely option on higher variants in India.

After its unveil in Russia at the end of this month, the Kaptur will make its way to Brazil, after which it is expected to land in India later in 2017. Expect it to be positioned above the Duster, with pricing to match.