New Renault Duster's 1st Month Sales At 1,402 Units: Real Game Begins In April
Renault has launched the all-new Duster in India, generating massive interest among mid-size SUVs. Priced from Rs 10.49 lakh, ex-showroom, the new Duster is available in six trims, including a limited-run ‘Launch Edition’. Sales data from March 2026 shows dispatches of 1,402 units of the Duster. Here is everything to know.
In March 2026, Renault registered total sales of 5,046 units. This meant a 77% year-on-year (YoY) growth, over March 2025. 1,402 units out of this were Dusters. The mid-size SUV had created big headlines at the time of its reintroduction.
You may now have this question: “ Why are the first month numbers so low? Hasn’t the launch hype translated to real market demand properly?” The fact that the new Tata Sierra, another hyped compact SUV that went on sale recently, posted sales of 7003 units in the first month, and the second-generation Seltos sold 10,639 units during its first month, add to these concerns.
Customer deliveries of the new Duster are scheduled to start in April this year. The March numbers were of dealer dispatches- showroom display cars and demo vehicles. The Sierra and Seltos numbers were, on the other hand, of customer deliveries.
We will get to measure the actual demand for the new Duster better once the SUV starts reaching buyers later this month. Comparing sales of the Seltos, Sierra and Duster based on March numbers alone would make little sense. We will have to wait at least 2-3 months more to get more clarity on the actual trend and sales performance.
Renault has re-entered a high-value SUV segment with the new Duster. Interestingly, the mid-size SUV segment is one that it had created long back with the original Duster. The new Duster is a good-looking SUV. The overall silhouette stands close to that of the global model.
When it comes to details, however, the India-spec stands unique. It gets eyebrow-like LED DRLs, unique fender embellishment, ‘Duster’ written on the grille, and connected LED tail lamps. The vehicle has a ground clearance of 212mm and a best-in-segment boot capacity of 700 litres, measured to the roof.
The cabin looks modern and is finished in a dual-tone colour scheme. It comes with features like powered and ventilated seats, electronic parking brakes, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, powered taulgate, 360-degree camera, wireless charger, dual-zone climate control, 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, and more.
The infotainment unit is a 10.1-inch unit with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto and built-in Google integration. It is paired with a six-speaker Arkamys sound system. The carmaker knows how important features and packaging are in the Indian market, and has packaged the new Duster accordingly.
At launch, two engine options are available on the new Duster- 1.0L turbocharged petrol making 98 hp and 160Nm and a larger 1.3L turbocharged petrol engine making 160hp and 280Nm. The smaller engine comes only with a manual transmission. The 1.3L engine, on the other hand, comes with a manual and a six-speed AISIN-sourced dual-clutch automatic (DCT) transmission.
The new Duster is underpinned by the R-GMP modular platform. It is a heavily localised chassis, developed specifically for emerging markets. It gets a more advanced electrical and electronic architecture than the global CMF-B platform. The more advanced E&E architecture has made it possible to integrate more software-driven features. The R-GMP is also a multi-energy platform and will also see the addition of a 1.8-litre strong hybrid petrol engine later this year.