Last Updated on Dec 27, 2025 by Puneet S Bansal
Renault has officially teased the New Renault Duster for India and confirmed a reveal on 26 January 2026. The next‑gen Duster moves from the old B0 roots to the modern CMF‑B architecture and brings contemporary design, updated safety, mild‑hybrid/turbo petrol options and connected tech — all tuned for Indian roads and buyers who loved the original Duster’s value and ruggedness.
What’s new — quick overview
- Platform: CMF‑B (shared with several Renault‑Nissan models) — improved rigidity and packaging.
- Engines: India‑spec options reported to include 1.2‑1.3 litre turbo petrols with mild‑hybrid technology; international reports suggest a 1.6 hybrid option for higher trims.
- Design: Squarer, more SUV‑like stance with LED DRLs, wide grille with Renault script and robust cladding adapted for India.
- Tech & safety: Large infotainment screen, connected car features, expected Level‑2 style ADAS suite on higher trims (lane assist, AEB, adaptive cruise).
Recent confirmation: Renault India’s official microsite and press releases confirm the Republic Day unveiling and India‑specific development work. (Renault India announcement).
Design and exterior highlights
- Front fascia: Slim LED DRLs, vertical stacked headlamp treatment, pronounced grille with Renault lettering.
- Side profile: Strong shoulder line, squared wheel arches with functional plastic cladding for urban and semi‑offroad use.
- Dimensions: Slightly wider and longer than the previous Duster (media reporting suggests modest increases to improve interior space).
- Practical touches: Roof rails, rear skid plate styling, and larger alloy wheel options (16–18 inch depending on trim).
Interior, tech and comfort
- Dashboard layout: Driver‑centric with floating infotainment display and hexagonal AC vents; improved materials vs previous generation.
- Infotainment & connectivity: 9–10″ touchscreen (wired & wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), connected‑car telematics for remote commands, voice assistant.
- Seating & space: Improved rear legroom and flexible boot (estimated ~450–470 litres in base India spec reporting).
- Convenience: Wireless charging, ambient lighting, 6‑7 airbags depending on variant, and automatic climate control.
Engines, platform and performance
- Platform: CMF‑B — lighter and stiffer than B0; better crash structure and NVH control.
- Expected powertrains (India):
- 1.2L turbo petrol (mild‑hybrid) ~100–130 PS — efficient city/highway balance.
- 1.3L turbo petrol (higher trims) ~140–160 PS — more punch and better torque for highways.
- Optional hybrid or mild‑hybrid variants reported in auto press for fuel economy leadership.
Transmission choices: 6‑speed manual, 7‑speed DCT/AMT options, and an AWD system on upper trims (reported by automotive media for India‑spec Duster).
AWD, off‑road potential and ride quality
ADAS bundle (likely on top trims): AEB (city & highway), lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind‑spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition.
Passive safety: 6 airbags on higher trims, ISOFIX mounts, ESP, hill‑hold and multi‑collision braking.
Crash ratings: No India‑specific GNCAP rating at time of writing; however CMF‑B’s improved crash structure should enable competitive scores. Expect ICAT/MoRTH homologation and GNCAP tests post‑launch.
Price, variants and expected launch timeline (India)
- Confirmed reveal date: 26 January 2026 (Renault India).
- Estimated starting price (ex‑showroom): ₹10–12 lakh (widely reported by CarDekho, CarWale and other auto portals). Higher variants with hybrid/1.3 turbo or AWD will command a premium.
- Variants: Likely RXE, RXL, RXT/RXT(O), and a top Tech/Prestige/Adventure trim with AWD and ADAS.
The New Renault Duster for India (reveal: 26 Jan 2026) is built on the CMF‑B platform, offers 1.2–1.3L turbo petrol engines with mild‑hybrid technology, an optional AWD, modern ADAS, and is expected to start at around ₹10–12 lakh (ex‑showroom). It focuses on rugged utility, improved safety and connected tech for Indian buyers.
Renault’s decision to bring the Duster back signals a strategic push to regain share in India’s compact SUV market — a segment that has matured since the original Duster arrived in 2012. For many buyers, the Duster was an affordable, no‑nonsense SUV. The new model positions Renault to compete on both value and technology, appealing to consumers who want off‑road DNA without luxury pricing.
Quick spec snapshot (India expected)
| Item | Expected / Reported (India) |
| Reveal date | 26 Jan 2026 |
| Platform | CMF‑B |
| Engine options | 1.2L turbo mild‑hybrid; 1.3L turbo petrol; optional 1.6 hybrid (select markets) |
| Transmission | 6‑speed MT / 7‑speed DCT / AMT |
| AWD | Optional on top trims |
| Boot space | ~450–470 L (est.) |
| Safety | ADAS suite (top), 6 airbags, ESP |
| Estimated price | ₹10–12 Lakh (ex‑showroom) |
Competitor comparison (brief)
- Hyundai Creta: More premium feel, broad dealer network, refined turbo engines; Duster aims for rugged value and optional AWD — a differentiator.
- Kia Seltos: Sportier image, tech heavy; Duster trades on robustness and simpler ownership economics.
- MG Astor / Tata Harrier (segment overlap): Offer advanced ADAS or diesel options; Duster’s advantage is its brand recall and potential pricing.
The new Duster is a pragmatic play — Renault took what worked and modernised it. In India, buyers still value space, durability and cost of ownership; if Renault nails the localization and pricing, the Duster can be a sleeper hit. — India AI SEO Blog Strategist (automotive market analyst tone)
Buying considerations & ownership costs
- Fuel economy: Expect class‑leading numbers from mild‑hybrid 1.2; conservatively 16–20 kmpl depending on variant and city/highway mix.
- Servicing & parts: Renault’s dealer reach is smaller than Hyundai/Kia; buyers should check dealer density in their city.
- Resale value: Will depend on initial sales volume and perception of reliability
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