Renault is gearing up to introduce an all-new crossover in Rio de Janeiro on October 25. Known as the Kardian, the model is a B-segment crossover designed for international markets. It will initially be launched in Latin America and Renault said the model “embodies the start of the brand’s new product offensive in markets outside of Europe.” The automaker went on to say the urban SUV is the “first in a future international range” and “represents the Renaulution on the international stage.” Given the model’s importance, the company wanted an “evocative name that conjures up both strength and agility while containing internationally clear consonants.”
While that sounds like marketing malarkey,
Renault said the Kardian name communicates three main ideas including “cardio,”
which implies adrenaline, momentum, and sport. The company also noted Kardian
makes you think of guardian, which alludes to security. Last but not least, the
first syllable you hear is “car” and Renault noted it’s “hard to find better
symbolism” than that.
Putting the name aside, we can see the
Kardian will be ready for Halloween as it sports an eye-catching orange and
black exterior. The crossover also has curvaceous bodywork, an angular rear
window, and slender taillights with three-dimensional accents. We can also see
a shapely liftgate with prominent badging. Since October 25 is still quite some
time away, we expect to see more teasers from Renault ahead of the new SUV’s
official unveiling.
