The third-generation Renault Duster is expected to hit Indian roads in 2025. Renault-owned Dacia took the wraps off the latest iteration of the Duster on November 29, 2023. The new SUV will go on sale in Europe in early 2024, after which it will head to India. To refresh your memory, Renault India stopped the production of the first-generation Duster nearly ten years after it was launched in July 2012. With its rugged design, supple ride, and powerful diesel engine, the Renault Duster received a strong response, with almost 40,000 units retailed in its first year of production. It was given several mechanical updates over the years, with the last being the introduction of the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine (with an optional CVT gearbox) to the Duster’s line-up.
In its latest form, the Dacia Duster, as referred to in some international markets, features a new platform, exterior and interior upgrades, and three powertrain options. While the price announcement of the mid-size SUV is yet to happen, here's all you need to know ahead of its expected India launch:
Also Read: New Renault Duster SUV in Dacia Guise Debuts with Updated Design and Modern Interiors Globally
Renault Duster: Powertrain
Under the hood, the new Duster is equipped with three different engine options – a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, petrol engine coupled with two electric motors; a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine with a 48V starter motor; and a 1.0-litre, petrol-LPG engine (in some markets). Expect the company to offer 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and 1.2-litre mild-hybrid drivetrains with the India-bound Duster.
The new SUV comes in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, but only with a 1.2-litre mild hybrid powertrain. Speaking of wheel drives, the Duster AWD gets terrain modes, including Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, off-road and Eco. Other bits include hill-descent control and a multimedia screen for all off-road-related information, including inclination and power distribution between the front and rear.
Renault Duster: Platform, Exterior
Unlike the original Duster, the new-generation SUV sits on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s modular CMF-B platform that will be localised for the Indian market. Measuring 4,340mm in length, the new Duster retains its rugged stance, with a sculpted bonnet, squared-off wheel arches, and body cladding.
Up front, the SUV gets Y-shaped LED DRLs, a slim grille with chrome inserts, wide air intakes on the front bumper, and circular fog lamps. In profile, it features new 18-inch blacked-out alloy wheels and a blacked-out vertical 'shadow line' below the mirrors. At the rear are Y-shaped LED taillights, a revised bumper, a split roof spoiler, a silver faux skid plate, and C-pillar-mounted door handles.
Renault Duster: Interior, Safety Kit
Inside, the new Duster sports a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, AC vents with Y-shaped inserts, a multi-function three-spoke steering wheel, ventillated front seats, a 6-speaker Arkamys 3D audio system, a wireless phone charger, automated climate control, cruise control, and two USB-C ports.
In terms of safety, the refreshed Duster comes with an electronic parking brake, airbags, electronic stability control, hill start assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and an advanced driver assistance system.
In the mid-size SUV segment, the new Renault Duster will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, and more. The Indian market will also get a seven-seater option, albeit at a later date.
Write your Comment