New Renault Duster: What To Expect At Launch
Renault is all set to bring back the Duster to the Indian shores. The third-generation SUV will launch on March 17, 2026 and will have to compete with strong players like the Hyundai Creta and the new Tata Safari. This increases the pressure on the new Duster and makes packaging and market positioning extremely important. Renault seems to have tried its best to get the packaging right. With days still left for the launch, here is everything to know about the new Duster.
On the design front, the new Duster differs sharply from the previous model that was on sale here. The design is noticeably more modern and rugged and keeps the ‘Duster character’ intact. It has a more upright stance and stronger road presence.
While the basic shape remains largely shared between the India-spec Duster and the one sold abroad, the former’s design gets a bunch of unique cues. The LED DRLs, for example, are sleek eye brow-like units. The global model has Y-shaped DRLs. The grille section has ‘DUSTER’ spelled out on it.
The Indian model also gets unique accents on the rear spoiler, connected LED tail lamps, and a special front fender ornament. The ORVMs, roof, alloy wheels, and B- and C-pillars are finished in black. The SUV also has a thick black body cladding. Six colour options will be offered on the India-spec- Jade Mountain Green, Pearl White, Moonlight Silver, Stealth Black, River Blue, and Sunset Red, including dual-tones.
The new Duster will have a modern, tech-heavy interior. The dashboard and centre console have a driver-focussed design.
The feature list will have two large screens ( 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster, climate control, a panoramic sunroof (which is not offered on the global spec), Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, wireless charging bay, six-speaker Arkamys audio, built-in Google integration, 360-degree camera, electronic parking brake, ADAS, powered and ventilated front seats, powered tailgate, ambient lighting, connected car features, rear AC vents, and more.
The carmaker has also given multiple type-C USB ports inside the cabin. The rear seats get 60:40 split-folding function and the occupants also benefit from the absence of a central transmission tunnel. The SUV also has a boot capacity of 700 litres, measured to the roof.
Unlike the global Duster that continues to be based on the CMF-B platform, the India-spec is underpinned by a heavily localised RGMP (Renault Global Modular Platform) platform. Developed specifically for emerging markets, this modular architecture is central to Renault’s long-term strategy in India. It is widely believed to be around 90 percent localised, significantly reducing production costs.
The RGMP platform has been engineered to deliver greater flexibility, localisation, and cost efficiency. It has an all-new electrical and electronics (E&E) architecture that allows deeper integration of digital systems (Google, for example) and enables software-driven abilities.
This platform will support different vehicle sizes (sub-four-metre to 4.7m in length) and body styles and can accommodate wheel sizes ranging between 16 and 19 inches. More importantly, it supports multiple powertrains and fuel options- petrol, CNG, flex-fuel, hybrid and fully electric. Renault will introduce a hybrid version this year itself. More about it later in this article.
The new Duster’s suspension setup consists of MacPherson struts at the front with a thick 25 mm anti-roll bar. The rear gets a semi-independent “super twist beam” suspension with coil springs and a C-shaped anti-roll bar. Braking is handled by disc brakes at the front and 280 mm rear discs. These are designed for improved heat management and durability.
The previous Duster used to be offered with both petrol and diesel engines. The new Duster will, however, be a petrol-only model. Two turbocharged petrol engines will be available at launch. The lower variants will come with a 1.0L turbo-petrol that makes 98hp and 180Nm. The second and more interesting engine is the 1.3L turbocharged petrol (TCe-160) that has an output of 160hp and 280Nm. The 1.3 turbo-engine will be offered with the choice of a wet-clutch dual-clutch automatic transmission.
A third engine- 1.8-litre strong hybrid petrol will be introduced around Diwali. This setup will pair a 1.8L naturally aspirated petrol engine with two electric motors and 1.4kWh battery pack. One of these motors will function as a generator while the other will provide drive. This setup is said to have a combined system output of 152 hp and 172 Nm and will deliver impressive fuel efficiency. Interestingly, the hybrid Duster has a much larger battery pack than rivals like the Hyryder, Grand Vitara and Victoris.
Renault has tried its best to ensure high safety standards on the new Duster. The company says that the platform has been engineered with the structural integrity needed to achieve five-star ratings in both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP crash tests. There is an increased focus on improving rear crash protection. The SUV has already been sent for BNCAP crash tests, results of which are expected to surface closer to launch.