Renault developing new 1.2-litre MPFi engine for Bridger – Introduction | Autocar India
The upcoming Bridger compact SUV is going to be instrumental for Renault's targeted turnaround in India, alongside the newly launched Duster. The French carmaker has lined up one of the most expansive powertrain line-ups in the segment, encompassing several fuel types. We have now got some exclusive details about the Bridger's ICE lineup that's due to go on sale by the end of 2027.
Our sources have indicated that Renault is working on a new 1.2-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine to go under the hood of the Bridger. This is a derivative of the Duster's 1.3-litre TGDi engine, where the stroke has been reduced to bring the displacement below 1200cc. This means the Bridger will qualify for the sub-4m tax slab, giving Renault the opportunity to price the product competitively.
More importantly, this engine will get a simpler and cost-effective multi-point fuel injection system (MPFi) as opposed to the Duster's direct-injection system, which means it can be engineered to also run on CNG. In fact, the Bridger's RGMP platform has been conceived to support CNG powertrains by design.
In petrol guise, this engine is expected to produce around 120hp, meaning it will be in the same ballpark as some of the existing turbo-petrol SUVs in the segment. A naturally-aspirated version of this engine is also expected to be on offer, making for an even more accessible entry point.
With naturally aspirated, turbo-petrol and CNG options, alongside hybrid and electric variants, the Bridger is set to have one of the most diverse engine lineups in the segment, but there will be no diesel option. Renault is hoping to position the hybrid variant as a diesel alternative, but its success will hinge on how competitively priced the hybrid will be in relation to the competition. The Tata Nexon, which is the best-selling compact SUV, offers petrol, diesel, CNG and electric options.
The CNG powertrain could also be a major contributor to the Bridger's volumes. CNG is currently the second-most popular fuel type in India, ahead of even diesel, and accounts for 22 percent of all car sales in FY2026.
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