Kamal Ghorui
The Renault Duster is among the most eagerly awaited upcoming launches in the Indian automotive market. This new-generation model is set to reignite one of the most celebrated nameplates in India’s SUV landscape. Originally introduced in 2012, the Duster was a pioneer that reshaped India’s compact SUV segment, laying the foundation for what would become one of the fastest-growing categories, now representing nearly one-fourth of the country’s passenger vehicle market. Ahead of its official debut on January 26, coinciding with Republic Day. Let’s take a look at everything you should know.
The latest, third-generation Duster has already been introduced in international markets, while the version headed to India will receive multiple market-specific changes tailored for local needs. Importantly, it is expected to be underpinned by an all-new platform developed for India, rather than being based on any existing Dacia architecture. Also, design-wise it is expected to look completely different from the Dacia Duster sold in Europe, with a distinct design tailored specifically for the Indian market.The most noticeable changes are expected to be on the outside, with fresh design elements likely for the LED headlamps, tail-lamps, DRLs, bumpers, and even the door handles. At the rear, a full-width tail-lamp layout could be introduced, aligning with current styling trends preferred by Indian buyers, something the global version does not offer. Changes are also anticipated for the bumpers and alloy wheel designs. These observations are drawn from recent sightings of camouflaged test vehicles on Indian roads.
Moving inside, the overall layout of the dashboard is expected to remain the same. However, the India-spec Duster is expected to get different colour themes with soft-touch materials all around. Expected features include a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a fully digital 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, automatic climate control, Arkamys 3D sound system with six speakers, wireless phone charging, ventilated front seats, and much more. The SUV is also expected to get ADAS features such as automatic emergency braking, vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist, and motorcycle detection, traffic sign recognition with a speeding alert, rear parking assistant, lane change warning and assist, and more.
Talking about the engine options, there will be no diesel option initially and it’s expected to get two petrol engine options, nothing has been confirmed yet. Globally, Renault is offering the new Duster in three engine options – a 1.2-litre, 3-cyl turbo-petrol paired with a mild-hybrid system, a 1.0-litre 3-cyl, turbo bi-fuel engine, and a 1.6-litre strong hybrid petrol engine with two electric motors and a 1.2 kWh battery pack. The 2026 Duster comes with 4×4 Terrain Control with 5 driving modes – Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, Off-road, and Eco. The 4×4 versions get a ground clearance of 217 mm with an approach angle of 31° and a departure angle of 36°. The SUV also features hill-descent control for speeds up to 30kph, and all off-road-related details are shown on the infotainment screen. The Indian market is expected to get only a turbo petrol engine with MT and AT gearbox options; it’s also expected to come with 4×4.
