GaadiWaadi –
Prices of the new Renault Duster will be announced mid-March ahead of the commencement of deliveries in April 2026 in India
The all-new Renault Duster is attempting to be ambitious in India and on paper, the ingredients look right for a definitive comeback in the crowded midsize SUV segment. It gets triple engines including the most powerful 1.3-litre turbo petrol in the segment, the introduction of a strong hybrid system with highest cubic capacity petrol engine and performance and a heavily localised modular platform.
The five-seater also boast segment-leading 700 litres of boot space (measured to the roof), and a design and interior package tailored specifically for India. Unveiled in Chennai as the first outcome of Renault’s International Game Plan 2027, the third generation Duster has been engineered with over 90 per cent local content.
It sits on the Renault Group Modular Platform which is a flexible architecture and is also future-ready with a three-row Duster-based SUV confirmed for next year while integrating 35 safety features to meet upcoming regulations. It can also give rise to different body styles, fuel types and even AWD configuration should they proceed with the idea.
Unlike rivals that rely on a single powertrain, Renault is attacking the segment with three engine options. At the top sits the 1.3-litre turbo TCe 160 producing 163 PS and 280 Nm. It is offered with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed wet-clutch dual-clutch automatic – directly targeting performance-oriented buyers. Below it is the 1.0-litre turbo petrol kicking out 100 PS. The biggest attraction, however, is the Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 which combines a 1.8-litre GDI petrol engine with a 1.4 kWh battery pack.
The system enables up to 80 per cent electric-only driving in city conditions and it will be available on sale by Diwali 2026. The 2026 Duster retains its rough-road credibility as well. With 212 mm ground clearance, approach and departure angles of 26.9 degrees and 34.7 degrees, and a ridid chassis, it remains trail-friendly. Dimensions stand at 4,346 mm in length, 1,815 mm in width and a 2,657 mm wheelbase but the real headline is the 700-litre boot, the largest in the segment.
Renault has given the India-spec Duster a muscular and premium appeal with elements like the trapezoidal grille with yellow accents, full-LED lighting, horizontal rear light bar, protective cladding and 18-inch diamond-cut alloys add presence. The cabin features a high centre console with electronic shifter, physical controls for core functions, ventilated and powered front seats and dual-zone climate control with PM2.5 filtration.
Other key bits are a panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate and 32.6 litres of storage along with the 10.1-inch OpenR Link touchscreen with built-in Google services, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, over 60 connected features, 17 ADAS functions, multi-sense drive modes, hill descent control, six airbags, TPMS and EPB.
So, can the new Duster reclaim its lost ground? Renault has addressed nearly every key area – power, features, interiors and hybrid tech at least on paper and we will have to wait and see how it performs dynamically. Yet, the absence of a diesel option could be a major miss in India, especially in a segment where torque and fuel economy still matter deeply. Likewise, introducing the SUV without AWD might feel like a missed opportunity given the Duster’s heritage but it is not ruled out for the future.
Whether the new Renault Duster truly wins back the midsize SUV segment will depend on pricing, real-world hybrid economy and how quickly Renault responds to market feedback. Only time will tell if the new SUV really takes the market by storm or not!
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