The Renault Boreal 1.3 TCe (156/163 hp) FlexFuel DCT is a five-door compact SUV introduced by Renault in November 2025. Representing a key variant within the broader Boreal lineup, this model is positioned as a mainstream offering, balancing performance, fuel efficiency, and the flexibility of multi-fuel capability. The Boreal aims to compete in the highly contested European and emerging markets SUV segment, offering a modern design and a range of technologies. This specific powertrain configuration, combining a turbocharged 1.3-liter engine with a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and FlexFuel capability, is intended to appeal to buyers seeking a versatile and economical vehicle.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Boreal |
| Type (Engine) | 1.3 TCe (156/163 Hp) FlexFuel DCT |
| Start of production | November, 2025 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (Ethanol – E85) | 7.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (Ethanol – E85) | 9.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / Ethanol – E85 |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h (Ethanol – E85) | 9.5 sec |
| Maximum speed (Ethanol – E85) | 180 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.2 kg/Hp, 108.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.3 kg/Nm, 187.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 156 Hp @ 5250 rpm |
| Power per litre | 117 Hp/l |
| Power (Ethanol – E85) | 163 Hp @ 5250 rpm |
| Power per litre (Ethanol – E85) | 122.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 270 Nm @ 1750-2000 rpm |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 199.14 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | H5Ht |
| Engine displacement | 1333 cm3 |
| Engine displacement (cu. in.) | 81.34 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine systems | Start & Stop System |
| Kerb Weight | 1438 kg |
| Kerb Weight (lbs) | 3170.25 lbs |
| Max. weight | 1886 kg |
| Max. weight (lbs) | 4157.92 lbs |
| Max load | 448 kg |
| Max load (lbs) | 987.67 lbs |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 586 l |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum (cu. ft.) | 20.69 cu. ft. |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1770 l |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum (cu. ft.) | 62.51 cu. ft. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l |
| Fuel tank capacity (US gal) | 13.21 US gal |
| Fuel tank capacity (UK gal) | 11 UK gal |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1500 kg |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) (lbs) | 3306.93 lbs |
| Length | 4556 mm |
| Length (in.) | 179.37 in. |
| Width | 1841 mm |
| Width (in.) | 72.48 in. |
| Width including mirrors | 2082 mm |
| Width including mirrors (in.) | 81.97 in. |
| Height | 1652 mm |
| Height (in.) | 65.04 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2702 mm |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 106.38 in. |
| Front track | 1560 mm |
| Front track (in.) | 61.42 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1557 mm |
| Rear (Back) track (in.) | 61.3 in. |
| Front overhang | 861 mm |
| Front overhang (in.) | 33.9 in. |
| Rear overhang | 993 mm |
| Rear overhang (in.) | 39.09 in. |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 213 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance) (in.) | 8.39 in. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission DCT |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/55 R18 98H; 205/55 R19 99V |
| Wheel rims size | 18; 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Boreal 1.3 TCe lies Renault’s H5Ht engine, a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is part of the Alliance’s (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi) modular engine family, designed for efficiency and scalability. The engine utilizes direct fuel injection, optimizing combustion and contributing to improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. The turbocharger, coupled with an intercooler, provides a boost in power and torque, delivering 156 horsepower at 5250 rpm and 270 Nm (199.14 lb-ft) of torque between 1750 and 2000 rpm. When running on E85 fuel, the engine management system adjusts to deliver up to 163 horsepower. The engine also incorporates a Start & Stop system to further enhance fuel efficiency in urban driving conditions.
The engine is paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). DCTs offer faster and smoother gear changes compared to traditional automatic transmissions, contributing to a more engaging driving experience and improved fuel efficiency. The DCT is calibrated to prioritize smooth shifts during normal driving, while also providing quick response when the driver demands more power.
Driving Characteristics
The Boreal 1.3 TCe offers a balanced driving experience. The 156 hp engine provides adequate power for everyday driving, with the turbocharger providing a noticeable boost in acceleration. The 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint takes approximately 9.5 seconds. While not a performance-oriented variant, the engine delivers sufficient torque for confident overtaking maneuvers. The DCT transmission contributes to a responsive feel, with quick and seamless gear changes. Compared to higher-output versions of the Boreal, this variant prioritizes fuel economy and comfort over outright performance. The gear ratios are tuned for efficiency, resulting in a slightly less aggressive driving experience than models equipped with more powerful engines or manual transmissions.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Boreal 1.3 TCe typically comes standard with features such as air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and a suite of safety features including ABS, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags. Higher trim levels add features like automatic climate control, a larger touchscreen display, navigation, parking sensors, and a rearview camera. Interior upholstery is typically cloth, with options for leather or partial leather upgrades. Optional extras may include a panoramic sunroof, premium audio system, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
Chassis & Braking
The Boreal utilizes a front-wheel-drive platform with a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provides a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The chassis is tuned to prioritize comfort, with a focus on absorbing bumps and providing a stable ride. Braking is typically handled by disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels, although some higher trim levels may feature disc brakes all around. Electric power steering provides light and precise steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Renault Boreal 1.3 TCe FlexFuel DCT is expected to be well-received in markets where fuel costs are high and consumers are looking for versatile and economical vehicles. The FlexFuel capability, allowing the vehicle to run on gasoline or E85 ethanol, provides added flexibility and potential cost savings. Compared to other trims in the Boreal lineup, this variant offers a compelling balance of price, performance, and fuel efficiency. Critics have praised the engine’s responsiveness and the DCT transmission’s smoothness. Fuel economy is competitive within the compact SUV segment, and the vehicle is expected to have good reliability.
Legacy
The long-term reliability of the H5Ht engine and the DCT transmission remains to be fully established, as the Boreal is a relatively new model. However, Renault has a track record of producing reliable engines and transmissions. The FlexFuel capability is a significant feature that could contribute to the Boreal’s longevity, as it allows owners to adapt to changing fuel prices and availability. In the used car market, the Boreal 1.3 TCe is expected to hold its value well, particularly among buyers seeking a fuel-efficient and versatile compact SUV.
