Renault is planning to bring back the Duster to India in its all-new generation format, with the launch expected either this year or sometime in 2026. Renault is likely to launch both a 5-seater version as well as the 7-seater model, which is sold under the monikers Bigster and Boreal in Europe. According to a slew of recent spy shots that originated from Brazil, while the vehicle was completely camouflaged, this was the first time we got a clear look at the front facade of the SUV.
From what we saw, it’s apparent that the SUV will have a redesigned front fascia, where the front grille and the headlights are placed in a continuous array. Another standout feature of the front fascia is the Renault logo right in the middle of the grille.
The styling of the Indian version spotted testing in Bangalore seems similar to the international variant. The car featured quirky V-shaped tail lamps, and another distinctive feature was the notched design roof-mounted spoiler. This new aesthetic gives the SUV a sporty profile and a more dynamic stance.
The tailgate has a much more contoured design, along with thick wheel arch cladding, a shark fin antenna, roof rails, rear washer and wiper, as well as a raked windshield. Other features seem similar to those of the European version sold overseas.
Powertrain Options
The all-new Duster has been constructed on the CMF-B modular platform, which is also used in various vehicles from Dacia, Renault, and Nissan.
The upcoming Renault Duster is expected to launch with three main powertrain options:
- 1.6-litre strong-hybrid petrol engine, paired with two electric motors and powered by a 1.2 kWh battery pack, delivering a peak output of 138 hp.
- 1.2-litre petrol engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system, generating a total of 128.2 hp.
- 1.0-litre petrol-LPG dual-fuel engine, producing 98.6 hp, mated to a 6-speed transmission that powers all four wheels.
Equipment List
The new-gen Duster offers a comprehensive range of features, with some highlights including a 10.1-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital cluster, wireless smartphone mirroring, OTA updates, and dual-zone AC. Safety-wise, the vehicle will be equipped with 6 airbags, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, tyre pressure monitoring system, electronic stability control, and a 360-degree camera.
Beyond this, the new vehicle will possibly be offered with a host of ADAS features, including autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. The current Dacia Duster has a 3-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests, and it’s possible that when tested according to Indian standards, it might score even better.
