Renault India has launched the new generation Duster SUV in India today, i.e. 26th January 2026. The SUV is back on Indian roads in its third generation. It has an all-new powertrain, design, and platform. The car is considered a direct rival against the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Victoris, Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun
The car carries a strong recall for buyers in India especially for those who either owned or aspired to the original model. However, the Renault Duster got discontinued in past and the competition has increased significantly.
Renault Duster Design and Exterior
The 2026 Duster is based on Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP), the company claims that the suspension setup was tuned on the racetrack to achieve best in class ride and handling.
The India-spec Duster is similar to the international version in terms of looks. However, Renault has altered some exterior which consists of new LED headlights with integrated LED DRLs, a chunky front bumper with a silver insert, and a grille with ‘Duster’ branding.
The car features a triangular-shaped LED taillight with an LED light bar at the back. Apart from this, the exterior also includes a sculpted bonnet, a roof spoiler, roof rails, a shark fin antenna, dual-tone alloy wheels, and 700 liters of boot space.
Renault Duster Interior
In terms of interior, the newly launched SUV offers dual screens, with large instrumental clusters, and a central touchscreen display. The vehicle offers a 3-spoke steering wheel, 6-way power-adjustable and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, an electronic parking brake, and level 2 ADAS with safety features such as Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise control.
Renault Duster Engine options
The car is available in three engine options. The base model offers a 99 BHP 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, whereas the mid-spec trims offer a 1.3-litre turbo petrol generating 161 bhp
The company has also launched a strong-hybrid option for the very first time. The strong hybrid option offers a 1.8-litre engine paired with dual electric motors and a 1.4 kWh battery.
Renault Duster Price and Forever Programme
The company’s forever programme offers up to a 7 year/1,50,000 km warranty. The prebooking of a car is open through an R Pass which is priced at Rs.21,000. The R Pass offers priority delivery and introductory benefits. The price of car will be announced in the mid-March, and deliveries will begin in April 2026, and the Strong Hybrid E-tech 160 model is likely to launch around the Diwali period.
Syed Ziyauddin is a media and international relations enthusiast with a strong academic and professional foundation. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media from Jamia Millia Islamia and a Master’s in International Relations (West Asia) from the same institution.
He has work with organizations like ANN Media, TV9 Bharatvarsh, NDTV and Centre for Discourse, Fusion, and Analysis (CDFA) his core interest includes Tech, Auto and global affairs.
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