Renault India is taking big steps to expand its portfolio in the country. The company recently announced a major product offensive for the domestic market. In that regard, two platforms were demonstrated – RGEP and RGMP. The latter has given birth to the Renault Duster and will underpin the Bridger SUV and others.
The Bridger SUV concept has been unveiled globally and will be designed, developed and manufactured in India for the domestic market and exports. The Renault Bridger SUV has now been patented in India with minor design modifications to the concept, suggesting that the production-spec version could be closer to the concept.
renault bridger suv design
With sub 4 meter lifestyle SUVs in the crosshairs, Renault has unveiled the Bridger SUV that will take on offerings like the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Mahindra’s upcoming Vision S (production version). The design of the Bridger has been patented in India with minor design changes compared to the recently revealed concept vehicle.
There is less clarity on whether this is a production-specific version or a more refined concept or a prototype in more advanced stages of development. We say this because the recently patented Bridger design looks almost identical to the concept. It has the same silhouette, which is upright and has textbook SUV proportions.
It has the same facia as the concept with attractive LED DRL signature, bull-bar like styling elements in the bumper, flat facia, flared haunches, tail-gate mounted spare wheel, side-hinged tailgate, LED tail light signature, rear door handles on the pillars and more. There is no sunroof in these patents, which is perfect for a hot country like India.
change in concept
Where this new design differs from the patented concept (suggesting it is production-exclusive) include its wheel design, rear bumper design, two fuel filler caps (one for the ICE and one for the EV versions) and the missing rear tailgate handle. Additionally, the bonnet is new and no longer clamshell and we see a simpler bonnet design and new shut lines on the concept.
The illuminated Renault lettering is missing in the patent, where we may see Bridger lettering like the Duster in the future. Renault has revealed that the Bridger will be based on the RGMP platform which is also based on the Duster and may also get an AWD setup. Renault is working on a new 1.2L turbo petrol engine that could be offered in the Bridger.
Currently, there are no plug-in hybrid electric vehicles planned by Renault for the mass market. The two fuel filler caps seen on the Bridger design patent suggest that Renault may be patenting the design for both ICE and EV versions in the same patent.
