All-new Renault Duster slated for Republic Day debut in India after 4-year gap
- The much-awaited Renault Duster will mark its return to the Indian SUV market on January 26, 2026, after being discontinued in 2021.
Renault India has finally confirmed that the long-awaited Duster SUV will launch in India, marking its return to our shores after being discontinued in October 2021. The 2026 Renault Duster is scheduled to be unveiled on Republic Day, January 26, 2026, and it will be the first product to be launched under the brand’s International Game Plan 2027 in India. Sold under the Dacia banner globally, the new Duster shares its underpinnings with the recently unveiled Nissan Tekton.
The Renault Duster is a household name among Indian buyers. Originally launched in India in 2012, the first-gen model is credited with having kicked off the compact SUV trend that has now captivated the global passenger vehicles market. It was discontinued as it grew outdated in the face of competition from the likes of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. While the second-gen Duster launched globally in 2017, Renault skipped bringing it over to India. For 2026, the Duster will arrive in its third and current generation, which has been in production since 2023.
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Commenting on the occasion, Stephane Deblaise, CEO Renault Group India, said “Renault Duster is more than just a name – it’s a true legend. A symbol of adventure, reliability and innovation, its comeback shows our commitment to the Indian market and our desire to offer vehicles that meet the needs of our customers. New Renault Duster will rely on its iconic heritage while adopting a modern design, advanced technology and enhanced performance."
Upcoming Renault Duster: At a glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Renault Duster (Third Generation) |
| Launch Timeline | Unveil on January 26, 2026 (Republic Day) |
| Platform | Shared with Nissan Tekton (CMF-B architecture) |
| Infotainment System | 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay |
| Driver Display | 7-inch digital instrument cluster |
| Audio System | 6-speaker Arkamys 3D sound setup |
| Connectivity & Comfort | Wireless charger, keyless entry, automatic climate control |
| Safety Kit | 6 airbags, ESC, hill-descent control, ISOFIX mounts |
| ADAS Features | Emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping & driving aids (expected on India-spec) |
| Powertrain Options (Global) | 1.0L Petrol-LPG / 1.2L TCe Mild Hybrid / 1.6L Strong Hybrid |
| 1.0L Petrol-LPG | Entry-level unit (select markets only) |
| 1.2L Mild Hybrid (TCe 130) | 130 bhp, 230 Nm; 48V motor, 0.8 kWh battery, 6-speed manual, available in 4x4 variant |
| 1.6L Strong Hybrid | Combined 140 bhp, 205 Nm; dual electric motors, 1.2 kWh battery |
| 4x4 System | Available with TCe 130 engine only |
| Terrain Modes | Auto, Snow, Sand/Mud, Eco, Off-road |
| Ground Clearance (4x4) | 217 mm |
| Approach / Departure Angles | 31° / 36° |
| Expected Pricing (India) | ₹12 lakh – ₹20 lakh (estimated, ex-showroom) |
What’s new with the upcoming Renault Duster?
The third-generation Duster gets a completely revamped design that enhances its on-road presence. It puts on a new front fascia with slimmer LED headlamps that feature the distinct Y-shaped daytime running lights. The lower front grille is now more pronounced and fits inside the bumper alongside circular fog lamps. The SUV carries the same overall silhouette as the older model, while the rear end gets sharper with arrowhead-like LED taillights. The exterior cladding all around the bodywork has been made from a material dubbed Starkle, which is claimed to comprise 20 per cent reused polymer. Recycled material has been used for almost 20 per cent of all plastics used on the car.
What features are expected with the new Renault Duster?
The Duster always followed a utilitarian approach to design, and it continues to reflect inside the cabin, which looks quite angular with its sharp lines and contours. A 10.1-inch central infotainment display sits right above the Y-shaped AC vents, while the driver gets access to a 7-inch digital cluster. The multimedia setup is complemented by wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside a wireless charging pad and a 6-speaker Arkamys 3D sound system.
On the safety front, the new Duster is expected to arrive with a broad range of safety features, including hill-descent control, a stability control system, ISOFIX mounts, and six airbags. The India-spec Duster is further expected to retain its ADAS suite with multiple safety features, such as emergency braking, cruise control, and lane driving aids, among others.
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What are the powertrain options in the third-gen Duster?
The third-gen Duster is sold with three engine options globally, of which two are hybrid. The base model is driven by a 1.0-litre petrol-LPG engine, offered in select markets. The SUV also comes with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder mild hybrid unit called the TCe 130. This is paired with a 48V motor and a 0.8-kWh battery, delivering 130 bhp and 230 Nm of torque. The TCe 130 is the only motor available for the Duster’s 4x4 variants and is limited to a 6-speed manual gearbox.
The Duster can also be had with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that is paired with two electric motors. One is a starter-generator while the other makes 49 bhp to send to the wheels. With this, the Duster strong hybrid makes a combined 140 bhp and 205 Nm of torque. This setup is powered by a 1.2-kWh battery and depends on regenerative braking, which Renault claims can be used to power the SUV most of the time on the road.
The 4x4 Duster comes with a terrain-control system with five driving modes: Auto, Snow, Sand/Mud, Eco, and an off-road mode. This variant gets 217 mm of ground clearance and makes for an approach angle of 31 degrees with a departure angle of 36 degrees.
It remains to be seen which powertrain options make it to India, since official details on the India-spec Duster are yet to be revealed. However, we expect both hybrid power units to be offered on our shores. The upcoming Renault Duster will pick up from where it left off and re-enter the compact SUV segment, rivalling the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, and Kia Seltos among others. When launched, it is expected to fall in the price range of ₹12 lakh - ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom).
Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2025, Best SUVs in India.
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