New Renault Duster - Top 5 Things to Know

After an almost four-year hiatus, Renault has brought back the Duster to the Indian market. The new-generation model arrives with a completely fresh design, a massively updated cabin, and an all-new set of powertrains. Here are the top five things to know about the upcoming Renault Duster. 1. Bookings and launch timeline Renault has opened pre-bookings for the new Duster at Rs. 21,000. The SUV is scheduled to be launched in India in March 2026, marking the brand’s re-entry into the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment. 2. Three engine options on offer The next-generation Duster willl be offered with three petrol powertrain options. At the top of the range is a 1.8-litre, four-cylinder, direct-injection petrol engine paired with two electric motors. Known as the E-Tech 160, this hybrid setup produces 160bhp and 172Nm. Next is a 1.3-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol, direct-injection engine, called the Turbo TCe 160. This motor develops 160bhp and 280Nm and is available with a six-speed manual and a DCT gearbox. The entry-level option is a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine, known as the TCe 100. It produces 100bhp and 160Nm and is paired exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox. Renault has confirmed that customers waiting for the hybrid version will have to wait until the festive season of 2026. 3. Big upgrade in features The interior of the new Renault Duster has received a comprehensive overhaul. It now features a new three-spoke steering wheel with piano black inserts, a dual-screen layout on the dashboard, ambient lighting, Type-C charging ports, and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold. Other highlights include a panoramic sunroof, faux carbon fibre inserts on the dashboard and doors, dual-tone upholstery, and dual-zone climate control. The feature set goes a step further with powered front seats, an adjustable front armrest, a powered tailgate, and 60:40 split rear seats. Adding to its premium appeal are an Arkamys sound system, a 360-degree camera, six airbags, and Level 2 ADAS, making the Duster feel far more upmarket than before. 4. Expected price range The new Duster is expected to start below Rs. 11 lakh, and this aggressive pricing could make or break Renault’s prospects in India. In a fiercely competitive and overcrowded mid-size SUV segment, anything higher would risk pushing the Duster out of serious consideration for value-conscious buyers. 5. Rivals and a distant cousin Once launched, the Renault Duster will take on established rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, and others in the segment. Additionally, the French SUV will soon have a distant cousin in the form of the Nissan Tekton. The upcoming Nissan model is expected to share similar specifications and design cues, jointly taking on the Korean rivals in the mid-size SUV space.