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The Renault Duster will make its India comeback with the third-generation model in 2025.
The all-new Duster has been revealed internationally by the Dacia brand, sporting a new platform, fresh design and multiple powertrain options. The big news is that Renault will bring it to India in 2025. So, without further ado, here are the most important things to know about the new Renault Duster for India.
1. Renault Duster platform
The new Duster is built on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s modular CMF-B platform that, globally, also underpins a number of models for both the carmakers, as well as Renault’s sister brand Dacia. This platform is more advanced than the M0 architecture that underpinned the original Duster and it will be localised for production in India. Earlier this year, the Renault-Nissan alliance had announced a fresh investment of Rs 5,300 crore in the Indian market, primarily to launch six new locally produced models between the two brands. These would be based on the CMF-B platform and also on the electrified version of the CMF-A platform.
2. Renault Duster exterior
On the outside, the new Duster looks more squared off, and its muscular flanks and shapely bonnet give it a butch look. The large 18-inch wheels add to its appearance as do the large dose of plastic cladding all around, including on the angular wheel arch design. The headlights with their Y-shaped DRLs merge neatly with the grille for the Dacia version. Expect some differences in the front-end styling of the India-bound Duster that will be sold as a Renault to begin with. A Nissan version will follow later.
Along the sides, there’s a unique contrast panel behind the front wheel arches, while the rear door handles are integrated into the C pillar. At the back, you see attractive Y-shaped full LED tail-lights, cuts and creases on the tailgate, and a sporty roof spoiler.
The new model measures 4.34 metres long, which is about as long as the original Duster. Interestingly, a three-row, seven-seat version of the SUV is also in the works that will debut a little later.
3. Renault Duster interior
On the inside, the rugged theme continues on the Duster’s dashboard, which gets a prominent centre console that is angled towards the driver. The AC vents get the Y-themed styling and there are physical buttons for the climate control.
There’s a lot of new tech now: a 10.1-inch touchscreen takes centre stage, a 7-inch digital instrument panel, a six-speaker audio system with Arkamys 3D sound, a wireless phone charger, cruise control and an electric parking brake. The model that’s been shown abroad doesn’t sport a sunroof though. Charging options include two USB-C ports and a 12V outlet for both the front and rear passengers, and it also gets ADAS features such as auto emergency braking and lane keep assist. We expect Renault to bring the ADAS bundle on the India-bound Duster as well.
4. Renault Duster powertrains
Announced so far are three petrol engine options, two of which are electrified. There’s a strong hybrid – called the Hybrid 140 – that pairs a 94hp, 1.6-litre petrol with a 49hp electric motor and a high-voltage starter generator, and this is likely to be a front runner for India. This engine comes with an automatic gearbox and features regenerative braking and a 1.2kWh battery, enabling purely electric driving for up to 80 percent of the time in the city.
There’s also a new TCe 130 engine, which combines a three-cylinder, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and a 48V mild-hybrid system that generates a combined 130hp. It comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive as standard; all-wheel drive is optional. There is no diesel version announced but some markets will get a petrol-LPG option.
The Duster AWD gets a terrain mode selector that, in auto mode, switches power between the front and rear axles as needed. It gets Snow, Mud/Sand, Off-Road and Eco modes too. Also standard on the AWD is hill-descent control, and off-road screens showing tilt angle, pitch and torque distribution between the axles. Duster AWD gets 217mm of ground clearance with 31-degree approach, 36-degree departure and 24-degree ramp breakover angles.
5. Renault Duster India launch
The Renault Duster will make its India entry only by late 2025. It will go up against a competent field of midsized SUVs, including the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and MG Astor. Expect it to be priced at around the Rs 20 lakh mark, which will put it right in the mix of things. As before, however, the rugged appeal and its brand equity, which is still quite high, could help the Duster make a space for itself in the crowd.
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