Renault Duster – The Renault Duster, which was a pioneer in the compact SUV segment, has finally made its way back to India in the form of the third-generation and the thrill around it is tremendous. The official unveiling of the new-gen Duster is set for January 26, 2026. The carmaker is equipping the SUV with rugged looks, high tech, and hybrid powertrains, to compete with the current giants such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Maruti Grand Vitara. Based on global specs and Renault’s Indian market strategy, here are the 3 major expectations.
1. Platform
The new Duster isn’t just an enhancement—it’s an outright new SUV made from scratch. The CMF-B platform, which is a collaboration between Renault and Nissan, is where it rests now. This platform not only enables the use of the most advanced powertrains but also offers a substantial improvement in terms of engineering and safety. While parts of the design are taken from the original Duster’s boldness, the interpretation is modern. It has a stronger body line, a daring grille, and Y-shaped LED DRLs on both ends which marks its rugged but beautiful futuristic look. The new Duster is around 4.3 meters long which still qualifies it as a compact SUV but offers a larger and a more conspicuous presence on the road.
2. Engine
The new Duster from Renault is aimed at urban buyers as well as at the same time appealing to the enthusiasts. The anticipated 1.2-litre turbo-petrol mild-hybrid engine will be generating up to 130 hp, thus covering the SUV’s profile with strong performance. A Strong Hybrid version is likely to be incorporated into the range a few months after the launch, which will be done by combining 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for very good fuel efficiency and quick acceleration. Moreover, Another important point is the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability that comes with the international model. Although initially most of the variants in India will be front-wheel-drive, there is a big chance that Renault will reintroduce AWD for the top trims and thus give the adventure lovers a serious reason to celebrate.
3. Interior
The most significant change can be seen in the interior of the car. The last Duster was worth considering for its performance but not for its amenities — however, the new generation revokes that assertion. You can look forward to a luxury dashboard design, which is accentuated by a 10.1-inch floating touchscreen and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. The SUV is also likely to equip with 360-degree camera support, wireless charging, and an upgraded sound system, thus providing a nice long drive experience. Safety gets a significant uplift with the potential addition of Level 2 ADAS that includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Automatic Emergency Braking. The new Duster will offer enhanced seat comfort and greater boot space; thus, it is targeting a premium daily family SUV market while keeping its adventurist traits.
