Indian Renault Duster Very Different From European Duster: Fresh Details Surface
Renault is set to launch the new, third-generation Duster in India on March 17, 2026. The India-spec Duster is, in fact, very different from the version sold in international markets. It has a different design, and is more feature packed. But more importantly, it is underpinned by a different platform. While the global spec sits on the CMF-B architecture, the Indian version is based on the cost-effective RGMP platform.
Renault first gave out the Duster’s platform details at its unveiling party. Back then, it mentioned that the vehicle would be underpinned by the Renault Global Modular Platform (RGMP). This platform has some similarities with the Common Module Family-B (CMF-B) platform found in the European-spec, but is also different in many areas. The RGMP has some clear advantages, particularly in the Indian context.
First things first, these two platforms are NOT the same. The RGMP has been specifically developed for emerging markets like India, incorporating specific technology upgrades demanded by these markets. It shares many of its structural elements with the CMF-B, but also has a lot of changes in its Electrical And Electronics (E&E) Architecture.
Additionally, this platform also excels with its modularity and flexibility. It supports multiple powertrain options and electrification levels, body styles and vehicle lengths. Both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive setups are also supported.
Now, the most important part- cost. The RGMP platform is heavily localised. Though not officially confirmed by the manufacturer, this platform is said to have around 90 percent localisation. This helps the carmaker keep manufacturing costs competitive- something that’s critical in the Indian market, especially in a fiercely competitive segment like that of mid-size SUVs.
This could probably be the biggest difference- the RGMP has a more advanced, completely new electronic backbone. It uses an advanced architecture called SWEET400 (SoftWare Electric and Electronic Technology), co-developed with Google. This has enabled easy integration of advanced digital features and software-driven functions.
The SWEET400 comes with Google Automotive System that connects the vehicle’s core functions instead of keeping things limited to just the infotainment. The driver can log in with their Google IDs and set and restore personalised settings. This fully-customised experience is not something many vehicles offer in the budget segment.
The RGMP is claimed to excel with its modularity and flexibility. The CMF-B was originally designed for larger cars like the European Duster and the Clio, and not for a sub-four-metre offering. The India-spec Duster stays close to the European model with its dimensions. The RGMP platform, however, supports even sub-4-metre vehicles. In other words, both B and C segment products (up to 4.7m long) can be built on this platform. This stands important as the sub-4-metre SUVs are fast-growing in acceptance, and also qualify for tax cuts.
The RGMP platform can accommodate wheelbases ranging from 2,632 mm to 2,748 mm. Front overhangs can vary between 780 mm and 860 mm, while rear overhangs can extend up to 1,020 mm. It is capable of accommodating wheel sizes from 16-inchers to 19-inch units (tyre widths in the 205 mm to 225 mm bracket). This platform can thus support various vehicle sizes and body styles.
Seating configurations of five, six or even seven are possible. We can now confirm that the Duster-based seven-seater, which will likely be called Boreal when launched, will also have RGMP as its base, thanks to its adaptable nature.
This means that Renault could base the upcoming Bridger-based SUV on the same platform. More interestingly, the same platform could form the base if they decide to bring the likes of Arkana to the Indian market! Renault officials, however, refused to comment on such a possibility and kept the conversation strictly around the Duster.
Flexibility in supporting powertrains is another major highlight. The original CMF-B platform was not initially designed to support fully electrified powertrains. In 2020, Renault attempted to adapt it for EVs under the CMF-EV architecture, which was later renamed AmpR.
The RGMP is electrification-ready from day one! Much work has gone into re-engineering it to support petrol, CNG, flex-fuel, hybrid, and fully electric powertrains without major structural compromises. This will help Renault India in the long run, as the company has plans to explore multiple fuel technologies in the future. The Duster will initially be available with 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engines. A 1.8-litre hybrid variant will launch around Diwali this year. Depending on demand, Renault may consider expanding the powertrain lineup further.
Renault has packaged the new Duster well. The India-spec model offers more features than the one sold in Europe. One such important feature is a large panoramic sunroof. The global model lacks this. In order to incorporate this into the overall design, the car’s roofline has been raised sightly. The passenger cell height has increased on the India-spec model. This has ensured that the head room remains unaffected even with the large sunroof in place. A 40mm taller passenger cabin and a 10mm increase in the ground clearance have made the overall height go up by 50mm.
In addition to these, the overall equipment levels and interior finish on the India-spec Duster are better that those of the European model.
The chassis setup on the India-spec Duster includes MacPherson strut front suspension paired with a thick 25-mm anti-roll bar, which Renault says is the thickest in its class. At the rear, it uses a semi-independent ‘super twist beam’ suspension with coil springs and a C-shaped anti-roll bar, designed to deliver stable cornering behaviour while minimising oversteer.
Braking performance is also expected to be strong, thanks to the large front discs and 280 mm rear disc brakes. These are claimed to have improved durability and heat management.
The RGMP platform also puts a strong focus on safety. It, the carmaker says, has been engineered with the structural integrity required to achieve five-star crash ratings in both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP tests. There is an increased focus on ensuring rear crash protection.
The company has already sent the new Duster for Bharat NCAP crash tests, the results of which are expected to surface closer to the launch date. The company hopes the vehicle to perform exceptionally well and outperform every vehicle in this segment- an assumption likely backed by internal test results.
With the RGMP, Renault seems to have solved one of the biggest puzzles in its India revival- a cost-effective platform that would let them base multiple products on, and scale profits by banking on commonality.
This platform would allow them to bring more global models to India and manufacture them here. If they would actually do this, remains a different question altogether. We would also see more India-centric models like the Bridger-based SUV roll out in the foreseeable future. This platform seems to have got the modularity, flexibility, electrification readiness, software-driven nature, and cost effectiveness right.