After Duster What? Into Renault's SUV Launch Plans
Renault launched the new-generation Duster in India on March 17, 2026. Priced from Rs 10.49 lakh, ex-showroom, this mid-size SUV has attracted a lot of attention. Deliveries are expected to commence in the coming weeks. The Duster is part of Renault’s larger comeback plan that places a heavy focus on SUVs. Here’s a closer look at the other SUVs that are expected from the manufacturer.
The French carmaker has long been having limited representation in the Indian market. The resurrection of the ‘Duster’ nameplate was crucial in getting the momentum back.
Visual appeal, a modern, tech-heavy cabin, strong engines and a compelling pricing- the new Duster gets them all. In terms of design, it resembles the global Duster to some extent, but stands unique with India-specific styling cues. These include eyebrow-like LED DRLs, connected LED tail lamps, unique fender ornament, grille section with ‘DUSTER’ spelled out on it, and more.
Inside, the new Duster comes with a dual-tone colour theme and features such as powered and ventilated front seats, 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, built-in Google integration, 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, six-speaker Arkamys sound system, electronic parking brake, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, powered tailgate, dual-zone climate control, 360-degree camera, wireless charging bay and more. The SUV has a ground clearance of 212 mm and a boot capacity of 700 litres.
At launch, the new Duster is available with two engine options- 1.0L turbocharged petrol and 1.3L turbocharged petrol, making 98hp and 160hp respectively. The smaller engine is available only with a manual transmission while the other offers the choice of an automatic as well.
A 1.8-litre strong hybrid petrol engine is expected to join around the festive season. Underpinning this SUV is the R-GMP platform, which is an evolution of the CMF-B platform, with a more advanced electrical and electronic architecture that would facilitate more software-driven functions. This platform also has a high degree of localisation gone into it.
In the coming years, we will see at least two new SUV launches from Renault- both targeting segments with high footfalls. One would be the production version of the Bridger concept that the brand recently showcased in France. When launched, it will become the second sub-compact SUV ( sub-four metre SUV) in Renault’s portfolio.
This B-segment SUV has been fully designed and developed in India and is aimed at emerging markets. It will have a boxy, masculine design and an upright stance. The ground clearance will be around 200 mm and the SUV will have a 400-litre boot as well. Even the cabin is expected to be tech-heavy, although details aren’t known yet.
It will be underpinned by a smaller version of the RGMP platform, designed to support multiple powertrains. At launch, a new 1.2-litre petrol engine and turbocharged petrol engines are expected. There are also chances for hybrid and electric options to be introduced. We expect the production form to be out by the festive season of 2027. It will also be manufactured at the carmaker’s Chennai facility.
Another expected product is a three-row SUV that will sit above the Duster when launched. It will be based on the same R-GMP platform and will likely be the India-spec version of the Bigster sold abroad. This three-row SUV is likely to share its powertrains with the five-seater, and will come with a roomy, feature-rich cabin. More details are expected to emerge closer to launch. The primary rivals of this model will be the Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV 7XO, upcoming Kia Sorento and Hyundai's three-row SUV.