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New Compact SUV from Renault Arrives with Automatic Transmission, Turbo Engine, Competitive Price, and Superior Range, Targeting Consumers Seeking Accessibility, Economy, and Technology in the Brazilian Market of 2025.
Renault Brazil has shaken up the national automotive market by launching this year 2025 an unprecedented version of its compact SUV Kardian.
The new Kardian Authentic arrives as a bet to expand accessibility in the segment, standing out as the cheapest SUV equipped with automatic transmission and turbo engine in the country.
With a suggested price of R$ 119.990, the model focuses especially on sales to People with Disabilities (PCD), but is also available to the general public.
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This move occurs in direct response to the launch of the Volkswagen Tera and the update of the Fiat Pulse, reinforcing the competition among the main automakers in Brazil.
The proposal of the Kardian Authentic is clear: to offer an affordable compact automatic SUV, focusing on fuel economy, competitive pricing, and a range close to 900 kilometers under ideal conditions.
Engine, Performance, and Consumption of the Compact Automatic SUV
According to data released by Renault, the new SUV can be fueled with ethanol or gasoline, delivering up to 125 horsepower on ethanol and 120 hp on gasoline, along with a maximum torque of 22.4 kgfm and 20.4 kgfm, respectively.
The fuel consumption, according to measurements from the Brazilian Vehicle Labeling Program (Inmetro), reaches an average of 8.6 km/l in the city and 10.2 km/l on the highway with ethanol, while with gasoline it reaches 12.4 km/l in urban driving and 14.8 km/l on highway stretches.
The automatic transmission, a six-speed automated dual-clutch type, stands out for its smooth shifting and has already been well received in the higher versions of the line.
Renault Kardian Authentic Prioritizes Accessibility and Economy
Renault’s strategy for launching the Kardian Authentic aims to increase participation among entry-level compact SUVs, one of the most competitive segments in the national market in 2025.
The novelty seeks to attract a diverse audience, with special attention to consumers seeking tax benefits offered by the PCD exemption program.
According to the automaker, the version meets all the requirements of current legislation, allowing qualifying buyers to purchase the vehicle at even more attractive prices.
The positioning of the Kardian Authentic puts the model face to face with the Fiat Pulse Drive 1.0 Turbo Automatic and the newly launched VW Tera.
The goal is to consolidate Renault’s presence in the segment and democratize access to turbo technology combined with automatic transmission, offering more options for families, young drivers, and consumers who prioritize economy, practicality, and comfort.
Features and Differentials of the New Compact SUV
In terms of equipment, the Kardian Authentic maintains items considered essential by the target audience, such as electric steering, digital air conditioning, 7-inch digital instrument panel, driver’s seat with height adjustment, and adjustable steering wheel both in height and depth.
LED headlights, rear parking sensors, and cruise control are also part of the standard package.
The SUV stands out for its internal space, with a wheelbase of 2.60 meters, a length of 4.11 meters, and a trunk above the segment average.
The 8-inch multimedia center, compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, meets the growing demand for digital integration, especially among urban drivers.
Connectivity remains one of the decision points for Brazilian consumers looking for an automatic compact SUV with built-in technology.
In terms of safety, the model brings six airbags (front, side, and curtain), speed control, and limiter.
According to Renault, the safety package is aligned with market expectations and reinforces the brand’s commitment to occupant protection.
Renault Kardian Authentic Has Cost Reduction Without Losing Essential Attributes
To ensure the competitive price of the Kardian Authentic, Renault made point adjustments in design and finishing.
External door handles are not painted in the color of the vehicle and the internal ones lose the silver finishing present in higher versions.
The wheel covers are now in matte black, replacing the diamond finish.
Despite the simplification, the SUV preserves the complete mechanical set and maintains the main equipment valued by the public, especially the turbo engine and automatic transmission.
Comfort items considered superfluous, such as adaptive cruise control and refined finishing details, are limited to the more expensive versions of the Kardian.
With this, the brand is able to meet the consumer looking for price, range, and practicality without giving up the core elements of the segment.
Market Strategy and Impact Among Competitors
The introduction of the Kardian Authentic reflects the trend of offering more affordable versions of automatic compact SUVs in Brazil, a phenomenon that intensified in 2025 in light of the increasing competition among Renault, Fiat, and Volkswagen.
These automakers are betting on modern, economical vehicles with turbo technology, competing for the preference of an increasingly diverse audience.
According to the National Association of Automotive Vehicle Manufacturers (Anfavea), the segment of automatic compact SUVs with turbo engines was one of the fastest-growing in the first half of 2025, consolidating Brazilian interest in efficient, connected, and practical models.
The Kardian Authentic utilizes the RGMP modular platform (Renault Global Modular Platform), the same architecture that will serve as a base for future launches, such as the medium SUV Boral and the pick-up Niagara.
This platform allows for cost optimization and the application of new technologies for comfort and safety, in line with the latest in the brand’s global portfolio.
Compared to the old entry version with DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission), the new Kardian Authentic retains much of the essential equipment and the turbo engine but simplifies aesthetic details and eliminates some comfort items.
The six-speed automated transmission, provided by Horse, remains a highlight, while the other versions continue to offer a manual transmission option, ensuring diversity in the line to cater to different consumer profiles.
What Matters in the Decision of Brazilian Consumers?
With the arrival of the Kardian Authentic, Renault enhances its offensive to democratize access to turbo technology and automatic transmission among compact SUVs, making the segment even more dynamic and competitive.
The competition for space involves not only price but also range and embedded technology, points increasingly considered at the time of purchase.
In the scenario of 2025, faced with so many options, the question remains: for Brazilians seeking a turbo automatic SUV, what really makes a difference — the affordable price, the range of nearly 900 km, or the embedded technology?
Espero que não seja um cavalo de troia.Cambio automatizado de dupla embreagem costuma ser um problema e muitas montadoras que o adotaram acabaram por desistir pela quantidade de problemas.
Prefiro com câmbio manual…
Queria entender essa autonomia de 900 km?
Sabe fazer conta ? O tanque tem mais de 60 litros calculando com a média de 14.8 km/l
Sabe fazer conta? No tanque do Kardian cabem 50 litros.