2026 Renault Duster testing starts, India will be launched soon

2026 Renault Duster testing starts, India will be launched soon

New Delhi. Reno Duster had a big fan base in India. However, this midsize SUV was discontinued in early 2022 as its first generation model became old and sales were declining. With the aim of re -strengthening its hold in the Indian market, the French Automeker is preparing to present the Duster in a new avatar earlier next year. Interestingly, the company has left the second generation duster and decided to bring the model of the third generation directly, which will challenge Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyder and other rivals.

Before coming to the market, the car manufacturer has started testing the new 2026 Reno Duster in India. Recently, its Havili Camoflaged Test Muile was captured on camera in Bengaluru. While spy images hidden most design details, some major highlights are clear such as straight stance, V-shape taillights, roof-mounted spiiler, shark fin antenna and roof rails, large wheel arch cladding, a racged windshield and rear warpherd and wiper.

India-spec styling changes

Compared to its global-spec version, the India-spec duster will have some different styling such as new front and rear bumper and new alloy wheel design. The official teaser released earlier has confirmed that the new Reno Duster will have Y shape's LED lighting elements, a new signature grill with new logo, a scalpted bonnet, black-out B-Pillars, Integrated Turn Indicators and Body-Kald Dore Handles in the ORVM.

Premium cabins and features
Although the official interior details have not been revealed yet, the 2026 Reno Duster is likely to have more premium cabins and features than its appearance. These features are expected to be in SUVs:

Big touchscreen infotainment system
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
OTA (over-the-air) updates
Wireless phone charger
7-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
Dual Zone AC
Ventilated front seats
Rear aC vents
360-degree camera
Electronic stability control
rear view camera
Tire pressure monitoring system
Rear parking sensors
6 airbags
ADAS
Many engine options

Powertrain
As far as Paurtrain is concerned, the new Reno Duster will initially be introduced with petrol engine options. The car manufacturer can use a 1.5L natural aspirated petrol for lower variants and 1.0L turbo or 1.3L turbo petrol engine for mid-spec and high variants. The Duster Hybrid will later join the lineup, while the CNG fuel option for the Reno SUV is also considering.

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Renault Duster’s base variant may ditch touchscreen. Here’s reason to think so

Renault Duster’s base variant may ditch touchscreen. Here’s reason to think so

The base variant of Dacia Duster SUV, which has influenced the upcoming new generation Renault Duster, has ditched the touchscreen infotainment system

The base variant of the Dacia Duster SUV, which has influenced the upcoming new generation Renault Duster, has ditched the touchscreen infotainment system.

Before the launch of the Renault Kwid, the Renault Duster SUV remained one of the most successful cars from the French auto giant in the Indian market. Now, the car manufacturer is aiming to bring back the SUV to India again in late 2024. Renault has already unveiled the SUV a few months back. Based on the previously unveiled Dacia Duster, the new generation Renault Duster looks bolder than the model used to be sold in India.

Now, a new image has surfaced revealing the interior of the Dacia Duster’s base variant, which possibly previews the interior of the upcoming Renault Duster’s base variant as well. As it appears, the base variant of the SUV would miss out on a touchscreen infotainment system. However, there is a panel where the consumers can install a touchscreen infotainment unit from aftermarket. Overall, the base variant of the Renault SUV may look spartan in terms of distal interfaces.

Watch: 2024 Renault Duster breaks cover with bolder design, new engine

Speaking of the styling and features, the three-spoke multifunction steering wheel would come featuring a new and chunky look. The steering may come similar to the Dacia Duster one and sport a flat vibe at the top and bottom, while it would carry a plethora of control buttons. While the base variant may miss out on the touchscreen infotainment system, it would come with a fully digital instrument cluster. Among other features on the dashboard, there would be sharp-looking AC vents with horizontal slats and rotary dials for climate control functions at the centre console.

Interestingly, the rise of touch-sensitive digital interfaces and capacitive touchpad screens in modern cars has become a safety concern. The drivers tend to take their eyes off the road to navigate through the menus on the touchscreen to access various features. This is a major issue the Euro NCAP has recently highlighted. Hence, the safety rating agency has stated that from 2026, it will penalize automakers by lowering the safety rating of a car that doesn’t have physical control buttons for certain functions.

While the entry-level variants of many cars often come sans any touchscreen infotainment systems, in the last few years, even affordable small cars come with such units. The upcoming Renault Duster will not come as an affordable model. Instead, it would be positioned above the Kiger as an upmarket SUV. Hence it would be interesting to see if Renault India introduces the touchscreen infotainment system in the base variant of the car or continues with the spartan look visible in the Dacia Duster’s base variant.

First Published Date: 17 Mar 2024, 13:52 PM IST


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