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New Renault Duster uses a 1.8L GDI petrol engine working in tandem with a 1.4 kWh battery pack to form the hybrid system
Unveiled in Chennai last night, the third generation Duster is the first visible outcome of Renault’s International Game Plan 2027 for India. Over 90 per cent of the new Duster has been created specifically for Indian conditions – underpinned by the Renault Group Modular Platform. It has been tested for extreme temperatures ranging from minus 23 degrees Celsius to 55 degrees Celsius and validated at altitudes exceeding 18,000 feet.
The flexible platform which will give to a seven-seater Duster sibling next FY has also been created to meet high safety standards as well and integrates 35 safety features. Another headline grabber is that instead of leaning on a single headline engine, Renault is offering three choices. The 1.3L turbo TCe 160 petrol sits at the top with 163 PS and 280 Nm.
It is available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed wet-clutch dual-clutch automatic. Positioned below it is the 1.0L turbo TCe 100 petrol option paired with a manual gearbox. For the first time in this segment from Renault, a Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 joins the lineup from global portfolio combining a 1.8-litre engine with a 1.4 kWh battery to enable up to 80 per cent electric-only driving in urban conditions.
With a ground clearance of 212 mm and approach and departure angles of 26.9 degrees and 34.7 degrees respectively, the SUV retains its ability to handle rough terrain but no AWD option has been provided. Dimensions stand at 4,346 mm in length, 1,815 mm in width and a 2,657 mm wheelbase while the bootspace capacity stands at segment-best 700 litres.
Some of the highlighting visual elements include a trapezoidal grille with yellow accents, full LED lighting, a horizontal rear light bar, protective cladding and diamond-cut 18-inch alloy wheels. Renault has also introduced an exclusive Mountain Jade Green shade inspired by Himalayan landscapes coupled with a contrasting black roof.
Stepping inside, the elevated centre console integrates an electronic shifter while physical switches remain for frequently used functions. Seats feature sculpted cushioning with yellow stitching and the cabin is finished with Mountain Jade leatherette, carbon-textured surfaces and metallic highlights. Practical comfort additions include ventilated and electrically adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control with PM2.5 filtration, an electric panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate and ample interior storage totalling 32.6 litres.
Technology is where the new Duster breaks furthest from its predecessor. At the centre is the 10.1-inch OpenR Link touchscreen with Google built-in – making this the first mass-market car in India to offer native Google Maps, Assistant and Play Store access without smartphone mirroring. A 10.25-inch digital driver display mirrors navigation and vehicle data while over 60 connected features are accessible via Renault’s app ecosystem.
Seventeen ADAS functions, hill descent control and multi-sense drive modes allow drivers to tailor assistance systems and driving behaviour with preferences stored and recalled through individual Google profiles. The Duster will be offered with a warranty of up to seven years or 1,50,000 km under the Renault Forever programme as well.
Pre-bookings have opened via an R Pass priced at Rs. 21,000 offering priority delivery and introductory benefits. Prices will be announced in mid-March 2026, customer deliveries will begin in April and the Strong Hybrid E-Tech variant will follow later this year.
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