Renault Bridger to get a 1.2-litre hybrid from Horse powertrain

Renault’s upcoming compact SUV for India is called the Renault Bridger. It will be equipped with a high-efficiency 1.2-litre strong hybrid powertrain. This engine is developed by Horse Powertrain, which is a joint venture between Renault, Geely, and Saudi Aramco. The production version of the Bridger, which is often called the “mini-Duster,” is slated for a 2027 launch in India.

Unlike the standard 4-cylinder petrol engine planned for the base variants, the hybrid system will use a specialised 3-cylinder architecture. This is done to optimise space and efficiency. The 1.2-litre unit is specifically designed to run on the Miller cycle. This cycle improves thermal efficiency by keeping the intake valve open longer. The electric motor compensates for any initial power loss during the long valve opening period. The result is much better fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.

Renault is targeting class-leading fuel economy with this hybrid system. The company draws inspiration from technology showcased in the H12 concept, which aims for fuel consumption as low as 3.3 litres per 100 kilometres. That works out to approximately 30 kilometres per litre, which is very good for an SUV. For the Indian market, the engine displacement is expected to remain just under the 1,200cc threshold. This allows the Bridger to qualify for lower “small car” GST benefits, which will help keep the price competitive.

The Bridger is built on the Renault Group Modular Platform, or RGMP. This is the same platform that will be used for the upcoming Duster. The Bridger will be a sub-4-metre SUV, meaning it will be less than 4,000mm in length. It will have a high ground clearance of 200mm, which is good for Indian roads.

The boot space is expected to be a class-leading 400 litres, which is very generous for a compact SUV. The design will be rugged and boxy, with a tailgate-mounted spare wheel for that true SUV look. Apart from the strong hybrid, the Bridger will also have other powertrain options. These include a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 114 bhp and 190 Nm of torque, a CNG version, and a full electric version with either 35 kWh or 55 kWh batteries.

The hybrid variant is expected to be positioned as a premium offering between the Kiger and the next-generation Duster. The estimated pricing for the entire range is expected to be between ₹8 lakh and ₹14 lakh.

If you are thinking of waiting for the Renault Bridger, you should do so if you want a compact SUV with class-leading fuel efficiency of around 30 kilometres per litre, if you want a strong hybrid system that needs no external charging, if you like the rugged, boxy design with a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, and if you want a high ground clearance of 200mm for bad roads. You should also consider it if you want multiple powertrain options, including petrol, hybrid, CNG, and full electric. However, you will need to wait until 2027 for the launch.

You should consider other compact SUVs now if you need a car immediately, if you prefer a larger engine or a diesel option, or if you want a car from a brand with a wider service network.