Kamal Ghorui
Renault India recently launched the new Duster SUV at an introductory price of Rs 10.29 lakh (ex-showroom), with pre-bookings open online and at dealerships. However, even before the launch and price announcement of its strong hybrid version, the model has already been sold out for 2026, with the company confirming that bookings for deliveries scheduled this year are now closed. Renault has not yet announced prices for the Duster hybrid, stating that details will be revealed at a later stage. Despite this, the entire 2026 allocation has already been booked, though the company has not disclosed the number of units or total bookings. Bookings for hybrid models are expected to reopen around Diwali 2026. The early sellout indicates strong demand for electrified powertrains, particularly in urban markets, where hybrid variants account for 39% of Duster bookings in metro cities.PowertrainThe new Duster is based on the CMF-B platform and is offered with three engine options – talking about the hybrid first, the SUV is powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine paired with a 1.4kWh battery, along with two electric motors. The combined setup is rated at 162bhp and 172Nm of torque and comes paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The fuel efficiency is likely to be over 25 kmpl (claimed). Pricing is expected to fall in the range of Rs 19 lakh to Rs 23 lakh (ex-showroom). The other two engine options are a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 100 PS power and 160 nm torque paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. 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.
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.
