Renault Bridger and Dacia Striker unveiled as budget rivals to Jimny and Octavia

Renault confirmed two upcoming models, the Bridger off-road SUV and the Dacia Striker wagon. The Bridger is aimed at the Suzuki Jimny, while the Striker is positioned against the Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Golf wagons.

Renault Group will introduce 32 new models globally over the next five years, led by two additions at the more affordable end of the market – the Renault Bridger and the Dacia Striker.

The Bridger is a compact, off-road-focused SUV intended to be a direct rival to the Suzuki Jimny.

The Bridger is set to go on sale in India next year before going international.

Previewed by the Bridger Concept, the production version model uses the updated small Renault Global Modular Platform (RGMP), an evolution of the CMF-B platform developed by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance for sub-compact and mid-sized vehicles.

Powertrains will vary by market and are expected to include petrol, hybrid and electric options.

The concept features a swing-out tailgate with an externally mounted spare wheel, reinforcing its rugged character.

Renault lists 200mm ground clearance – slightly below the Jimny’s 210mm – along with a sizeable 400-litre boot and 200mm of rear knee room.

Renault Australia says it will assess the Bridger if it becomes available in right-hand drive and offered locally.

Alongside it, Renault’s sister brand Dacia has revealed the Striker, a small wagon intended to compete with the Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Golf.

The 2027 Dacia Striker adopts raised suspension and exterior cladding similar to the previous Scout and Alltrack variants.

It uses the CMF-B LS platform, shared with the new Duster, and will be offered with front, or all-wheel-drive hybrid systems, plus an LPG option.

The Striker measures 4.62 metres long, promising wagon-like dynamics, hatchback practicality and SUV-like ground clearance.

Dacia is targeting a European starting price of under 25,000 euros (about $AU40,500), significantly cheaper than a base Golf wagon (about 35,000 euros or $AU56,500) in France.

Production will take place in Turkey, where Renault already builds the Clio and Duster.

The brand has not yet confirmed whether the Striker will be sold outside Europe or if it could eventually be rebadged as a Renault in Australia.

Renault also confirmed development of a successor to the Alpine A110, which will be offered with either an internal-combustion engine or electric power on a new Alpine platform.

The car-maker additionally revealed its R-Space Lab concept, previewing future technologies, and shared details of its next EV architecture, RGEV Medium.

This platform will support range-extenders, rear- or all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and an 800-volt electrical system.

While many of these models remain in early stages, Renault Australia says it will assess all right-hand drive prospects.

The Bridger in particular could offer the brand a compelling entry in Australia’s growing compact off-road segment, while the Striker may broaden Renault Group’s reach if it eventually arrives sporting a Renault badge.

More details are expected as global rollout plans are confirmed.

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