Kamal Ghorui
Renault India today finally launched the new 2026 Renault Duster SUV in the Indian market with prices starting from Rs 10.29 lakh (ex-showroom). Pre-bookings for the new Duster are already underway. Interested customers can book the SUV online or at their nearest dealership. The new Duster has already reached several showrooms across India and is currently on display. Deliveries are expected to begin soon. The SUV will compete with Tata Sierra, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Maruti Victoris, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Honda Elevate, and others in the highly competitive midsize SUV segment.
PowertrainTalking about the engine options first, it’s offered with three engine options – a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 100 PS power and 160 nm torque paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Another engine is a 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol with 163 PS power and 280 nm torque paired with a 6-speed DCT or a 6-speed manual. There’s also a bigger 1.8-litre strong hybrid petrol engine with 109 hp paired with a 49hp electric motor and a 20hp hybrid starter generator (HSG), paired with a 1.4kWh (280V) battery. Together, this configuration delivers a combined system output of 160hp and 172Nm.Design Design-wise, Renault has introduced India-specific design changes to the new-generation Duster while retaining the overall silhouette of the third-generation global model. The India-spec SUV gets redesigned headlamps with eyebrow-shaped LED daytime running lights that also function as turn indicators. It features a revised grille with prominent Duster badging, replacing the Renault logo, along with a front bumper that uses a protruding silver surround and pixel-style fog lamps.
From the side, the Duster carries black cladding over the wheel arches and lower body, C-pillar-mounted rear door handles, and functional roof rails. At the rear, triangular tail-lamps are linked by an LED light bar not seen on the global version. Additional changes include a roof-mounted spoiler, a textured licence plate housing and a black rear bumper with a silver insert.Interior, features and safetyMoving inside, the Duster’s interior has been redesigned extensively for the Indian market. The India-spec version features a completely new dashboard design with a dual-screen layout, soft-touch surfaces and revised trim elements. The cabin uses silver accents and contrast green stitching, a dedicated button panel on the centre console, a slide-adjustable front armrest with storage and more. Features include a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless phone charger, dual-zone climate control, a powered tailgate, 6-way powered and ventilated front seats, 48-colour ambient lighting, keyless entry with push button start/stop, multi-drive modes and more.Safety features include six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, 360-degree camera, electric parking brake, disc brakes on all four wheels and Level 2 ADAS features.
