en.Wedoany.com Reported - Renault Geely Brazil President Ariel Montenegro stated that the Renault Boreal SUV will launch a hybrid version, marking the brand's first model equipped with an "innovative" hybrid system, expected to hit the market in mid-2027.
Since its launch in mid-October 2025, the Boreal's sales performance has not met expectations, directly linked to intense competition in its segment. The vehicle is priced between 170,000 and 220,000 Brazilian reais. Montenegro revealed on the CBN Autoesporte podcast that this mid-size SUV will be the first to adopt Renault's new hybrid technology, but did not specify the technical details.
Montenegro noted that the C-segment, where the Boreal competes, is rapidly transitioning to electrification. The Geely EX5 launched a plug-in hybrid version in early 2026. BYD and GWM have also achieved significant results with similar models, such as the Song series and Haval H6. Currently, the Boreal is only available with a fuel version powered by a 1.3 TCe engine, shared with the Duster and previously used in the Oroch, delivering a maximum power of 163 hp, paired with a wet dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT).
The Boreal's hybrid system is likely to reference the configuration of its platform sibling, the Dacia Bigster. The latter features a 1.2-liter TCe engine with a maximum power of 140 hp and torque of 23.5 kg·m, paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Unlike the Jeep Renegade's mild hybrid solution (which only replaces the alternator and does not drive the wheels), the Bigster incorporates an electric motor on the rear axle, providing an additional 31 hp and 8.9 kg·m of torque. This motor features a two-speed clutch system with disconnection capability, allowing the vehicle to operate in "coasting" mode, where it is driven by the rear wheels.
The hybrid package includes a 48-volt lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 0.84 kWh, chargeable via regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine. The electric motor assists at low speeds as a first-gear booster and aids the second-gear gasoline engine at high speeds. The system supports three drive modes: front-wheel drive (internal combustion engine only), rear-wheel drive (engine disengaged, vehicle coasting), and on-demand all-wheel drive. Renault plans to replace the powertrain using locally sourced components.
This hybrid system with all-wheel drive capability will also be applied to the Renault Niagara pickup truck. Based on the same platform as the Boreal and set to launch soon, it will compete with mid-size pickups such as the Ram Rampage, Ford Maverick (full hybrid), and Fiat Toro (mild hybrid). The market will also see electrified rivals like the Volkswagen Tukan (mild hybrid), BYD Mako (plug-in hybrid), and Toyota Corolla pickup (plug-in hybrid) in the future.
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