Renault India is working diligently to further consolidate its presence in the country, after the launches of the facelifted Triber and Kiger in recent times.
As part of its second phase of expansion, the French carmaker is gearing up to bring back the legendary Duster SUV. While an official launch date remains to be announced, a report by Cartoq indicates that the SUV may come out during Diwali in 2025, with deliveries in early 2026.
The third-generation Renault Duster, which is already present in South Africa in right-hand-drive form, is priced there from 489,999 Rand (around Rs 23.36 lakh ex-showroom). With the Duster being withdrawn from India in 2022, Renault's lineup—comprising the Kwid, Kiger, and Triber—has been lacking a presence in the highly sought-after SUV segment. The reintroduction of the Duster is meant to fill this vacuum and see Renault return to the mid-size SUV segment.
The new Duster will face tough competition from mass market favorites such as the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Hyundai Creta, MG Astor, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Honda Elevate, and Citroen C3 Aircross. SUV-coupe variants such as the Tata Curvv and Citroen Basalt will form the competitive market as well.
Based on the CMF-B modular platform, common to a range of Renault, Dacia, and Nissan models, the new Duster takes styling inspiration from Dacia's Bigster concept. The front has flowing Y-shaped LED daytime running lights married with chrome bits on the grille, vertical air vents alongside the fog lamps, and a lower grille that looks like a flattened bull-bar. The side profile continues a tough appearance with squared-off wheel arches, large wheels, roof rails, and a sloping rear quarter glass. In the back, sharply cut Y-shaped tail lamps impart a contemporary look to the SUV.
Internationally, the third-generation Duster features twin digital displays in the form of a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The interior features a six-speaker Arkamys 3D sound system, climate-controlled AC vents, rear air vents, a 360-degree camera, power-adjustable front seats, Type-C USB ports, and powered mirrors and windows.
The new Duster will be available with three powertrain options:
- A 1.2-litre turbo-petrol motor shared with a 48V mild-hybrid system, making 128.2 Hp.
- A 1.6-litre potent hybrid petrol motor coupled with two electric motors driven by a 1.2 kWh battery pack, developing a top output of 138 Hp.
- A 1-litre petrol-LPG motor producing 98.6 Hp, split with a 6-speed gearbox driving all four wheels.
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