The official word is out! Renault India has confirmed the highly anticipated return of its iconic SUV, the Duster. This trailblazing vehicle, which once redefined the compact SUV segment in the country, is gearing up for a grand comeback on January 26, India’s Republic Day.
First introduced in 2012, the Duster was instrumental in kicking off the compact SUV trend in the Indian market, a segment that now impressively accounts for almost a quarter of the entire passenger vehicle sales. Its new-generation midsize SUV variant is making its debut four years after the previous Duster model was discontinued. Once a standout in India’s compact SUV landscape, the Duster is set to reappear in an entirely new avatar, signaling a significant new chapter for Renault in the country. This SUV is ready to challenge established rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and Honda Elevate in the fiercely competitive midsize SUV category.
This upcoming Duster will be the inaugural model to launch under Renault’s ambitious ‘International Game Plan 2027’ for India. This key initiative is part of the brand’s ‘Renault. Rethink.’ strategy, emphasizing a revamped, India-centric product transformation. The SUV has already graced international markets and has been frequently spotted undergoing testing on Indian roads.
From a design perspective, the next-generation Duster boasts a completely fresh look, moving far beyond a mere evolution of its predecessor. It draws substantial inspiration from the striking Bigster concept. Upfront, it features a sleek LED headlight system complemented by distinctive Y-shaped LED DRLs, along with large air intakes on both sides housing integrated fog lamps below. A muscular bonnet, adorned with aggressive lines and scoops, and a chrome-embellished front grille further enhance its bold appeal. The side profile is equally refreshed, showcasing squared-off wheel arches, practical roof rails, and stylish dual-tone alloy wheels. Robust body cladding all around reinforces the SUV’s rugged character. At the rear, V-shaped LED taillights with a distinctive Y-shaped signature stand out, accompanied by a rear skid plate and an integrated roof spoiler.
Stepping inside, the cabin presents an entirely new dashboard layout with quirky and captivating elements. Mirroring the exterior, the AC vents incorporate Y-shaped inserts, contributing to the rugged interior aesthetic. The SUV is equipped with a modern 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a fully digital 7.0-inch instrument cluster. Convenience features abound, including wireless charging, seamless wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, automatic climate control, an Arkamys 3D sound system with six speakers, and ventilated front seats. Moreover, the Duster integrates advanced ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) features such as automatic emergency braking with vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist, and motorcycle detection, traffic sign recognition with speeding alerts, rear parking assistant, and lane change warning and assist, among others.
Globally, the new Duster is available with three engine options: a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine paired with a mild-hybrid system; a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo bi-fuel engine; and a 1.6-litre strong hybrid petrol engine featuring two electric motors and a 1.2 kWh battery pack. For the more adventurous, the new Duster offers 4×4 Terrain Control with five distinct driving modes: Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, Off-road, and Eco. The 4×4 variants boast a substantial ground clearance of 217 mm, an approach angle of 31°, and a departure angle of 36°. Additionally, the SUV includes hill-descent control for speeds up to 30 km/h, with all off-road relevant information displayed conveniently on the infotainment screen. For the Indian market, the model is anticipated to be exclusively available with a turbo petrol engine.