Dacia Kanjara, the Name of the Romanian SUV?

As we showed you in the beginning of the month, the first modern Romanian built SUV is getting ready for its official grand-entry at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. Until September, when the show opens its doors, rumors and speculations are poised to grow in intensity, while details will be leaked more and more.

One of the big unknowns of the Dacia SUV is the name under which the car will be marketed. Although all are waiting to hear that this name will be Duster, a somewhat catchy name, it would appear French manufacturer Renault will follow the same thinking pattern for naming the SUV as they did with Nissan's Qashqai.

According to a report by automobile-magazine.fr, the name of the new SUV may be... Kanjara. Of course, the French manufacturer has not scrapped the Duster nameplate completely.

Yet, whatever its name would be, some additional information have surfaced. According to the source, the new SUV will also come with a choice of an extended platform as well, which would allow for a seven seater version.

The Qashqai inspired Dacia Kanjara/Duster will be powered, according to initial reports, by medium displacement engines, most likely 1.6l petrol and 1.5l diesel, with power outputs ranging from 85 hp to 130 hp. A bigger 1.9l diesel may also fit well under the SUV's hood.

As for prices, expect them to be lower than your average SUV. As the Romanian manufacturer has gotten us used to, what rolls off the Mioveni assembly lines has a good price-to-value ratio. Some hint towards a possible 18,000 euro threshold as a starting price.