Renault Duster India Debut Tomorrow: All We Know so Far

The Renault Duster is gearing up for its much awaited return to the Indian market in its third generation avatar, and the build up to its debut has made this one of most anticipated cars of the year. First launched in 2012, the Renault Duster was the SUV that kickstarted the mid size SUV segment in India and remained on sale for a decade before being discontinued in 2022

Over the past few months, Renault has teased the new Duster multiple times across its official social media platforms, while several test mules have also been spotted on Indian roads under heavy camouflage, indicating that localisation work is well underway. With the official reveal scheduled for tomorrow, the upcoming Duster arrives at a time when the mid size SUV segment it once created has become one of the most competitive spaces in the industry, making this launch particularly significant for Renault.

New Renault Duster – Expected Exterior Design 

In terms of exterior design, the India bound Renault Duster is expected to take strong inspiration from the global specification model that is already on sale in international markets. Key visual elements are likely to include the signature Y shaped LED daytime running lamps at the front, a squared off grille and a more upright stance compared to the previous generation. At the rear, the global model features Y shaped LED tail lamps and a cleaner tailgate design, both of which could make their way to the India spec version.

The Renault Duster is also expected to ride on larger alloy wheels, with tyre sizes likely to be either 17 inch or 18 inch depending on the variant. On the global model, the Duster offers a ground clearance of 217 mm along with an approach angle of 31 degrees and a departure angle of 36 degrees, although these figures could vary for the India-spec version. That said, certain styling elements and lighting details may differ on the final India spec car to meet market preferences and cost considerations.

New Renault Duster – Expected Interior Design and Features

Inside the cabin, the new Renault Duster is expected to reflect a clear step up over the outgoing model in terms of layout and perceived quality, again drawing cues from the global version. The international model features a more modern dashboard design with a free standing 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and improved storage options. Features such as wireless smartphone connectivity, a revised steering wheel, Arkamys speaker system and enhanced safety equipment are also expected. However, as with the exterior, the final feature list and material choices could vary for the India spec Duster based on market positioning and pricing strategy.

New Renault Duster – Expected Powertrain

Globally, the third-generation Renault Duster is offered with a range of petrol and hybrid powertrains. For India, Renault is expected to stick to only petrol engines, including a turbo-petrol unit and possibly the 1.3-litre turbo petrol producing around 150 hp. Transmission options are likely to include both manual and automatic gearboxes. Lower variants may also be powered by the familiar 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, which is already in use on models like the Renault Kiger.

Diesel engines are unlikely to make a comeback, reflecting global trends and stricter emission regulations. A 1.6 petrol hybrid with 2 electric motors and 1.2kWh battery pack, which is already available internationally, could be introduced in India at a later stage. As seen the global-spec Duster, variants may also offer all-wheel-drive capability and selectable terrain models.

New Renault Duster – Market Positioning and Rivals

The Renault Duster will slot back into the mid-size SUV segment the very segment it once created. However, the landscape has changed dramatically since 2012. Today, this space is fiercely competitive and dominated by strong Korean and Indian players.

Key rivals will include models like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, and Maruti Suzuki’s Victoris alongside the Grand Vitara. Japanese competitors such as the Honda Elevate and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder also pose stiff competition and not forget, the VAG twins Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun. If Renault gets the pricing, features and driving experience right, the third-generation Duster could once again remind Indian buyers why this nameplate mattered in the first place.