Renault brings back Duster to India on Republic Day, adds ADAS features

Renault is set to unveil the all-new third-generation Duster in India on Republic Day, marking the return of the SUV nameplate after it was discontinued in 2022. The company skipped the second-generation model for India. Development of the new Duster has been underway for a long time, and several test vehicles have been spotted on Indian roads over the past year.First launched in India in 2012, the original Duster helped popularise the monocoque-based SUV format by offering car-like comfort with SUV practicality. The new model represents Renault’s re-entry into one of India’s most competitive midsize SUV segments.
The India-spec Duster will be broadly based on the international version but will feature noticeable visual differences. It is expected to get sleeker LED headlamps and eyebrow-shaped LED daytime running lamps. Spy images have also shown a camera module near the centre of the front grille, indicating a possible 360-degree camera system.
The front bumper includes a three-slat air intake, a wide lower air dam and redesigned fog lamps. Teasers suggest that the India model will have unique front and rear bumpers compared to the global version. The SUV retains a sculpted bonnet, squared proportions and extensive body cladding that give it an upright stance.At the rear, the India-spec Duster is expected to feature vertically oriented LED tail-lamps instead of the V-shaped units seen on the international model. A connected LED tail-lamp bar is also likely, which is not offered in some overseas markets. The roof-mounted spoiler has a notched design that differs slightly from the global version.

Other exterior elements likely to be shared with the international model include pronounced wheel-arch cladding, roof rails, a shark-fin antenna, a rear washer and wiper, and a steeply raked windscreen. Teasers also point to newly designed alloy wheels for the India-spec SUV.The interior of the India-bound Duster has not yet been officially revealed, but it is expected to closely follow the international model’s layout. The cabin is likely to have a layered dashboard with angular lines, a driver-focused centre console and hexagonal air vents. Interior colour themes abroad include all-black and dual-tone finishes.

Expected features include a 10-inch freestanding touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, wireless phone charging, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof and a six-speaker audio system. Renault is also expected to introduce advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which would be a first for the brand in India.

Globally, the third-generation Duster is offered with multiple powertrain options. These include a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system producing 128.2 bhp, a 1.6-litre strong-hybrid petrol setup with a combined 138 bhp output, and a 1.0-litre petrol-LPG engine producing 98.6 bhp.

Renault has not yet confirmed which of these will be offered in India. Industry reports also suggest petrol-only options at launch, with hybrid power under evaluation and no diesel planned. Separate expectations mention a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol for lower trims, but final specifications are awaited.

The new Duster is built on the CMF-B platform, which supports updated electronics, improved safety systems and modern powertrains. Renault is working on localising this platform for India. The same architecture will also underpin Nissan’s upcoming midsize SUV, the Tekton, which is expected to launch in mid-2026 with different styling but similar mechanicals.

Pricing for the new Duster has not been announced. Key rivals are expected to include the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, MG Astor, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Tata Curvv, Tata Sierra and other midsize SUVs in the segment.