Renault Duster 2025-26: Bold Comeback in a Striking New Avatar | motoryaan.com

Renault Duster front profile with partial side view

Renault Duster India Launch Expectations

Renault is all set to bring back its popular SUV, the Duster, in a completely new avatar. The new Renault Duster is expected to launch in India by late 2025 or early 2026.

Expected price in India: Much lower than the European price of ₹20 lakh

Renault is aiming to revive its brand image in India, and this all-new Duster could play a crucial role in that mission.

This time, there will be no diesel engine option. Instead, petrol and strong hybrid variants are expected.

Engine Options

  • 1.2L, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine

  • 1.6L strong hybrid petrol – with dual motors (one for regeneration, one for drive)

Engine & Driving Experience

1.6L Strong Hybrid Setup

  • 4-cylinder petrol + dual motors

  • One motor for regeneration, the other for drive

  • 148 Nm torque

  • e-Save mode conserves battery charge for EV runs

  • No EV-only button, but starts in EV mode if the battery has charge

Expected Mileage

  • City: ~20 kmpl

  • Highway: ~18 kmpl

Ride & Handling

  • Ground clearance: 217 mm

  • Unlike the old Duster, this one feels less rugged

  • New-gen Duster has lighter, less engaging steering

  • Sharp bumps result in loud thuds (possibly due to Euro-spec tyres)

Exterior Highlights

Platform

This Duster is built on an all-new platform, completely unrelated to the older generation.

Key & Unlocking Features

  • Dacia-branded key fob

  • Unlocking the car rolls down all four windows

  • No request sensor, but proximity keyless entry works well

Front Design

  • DRLs with integrated indicators

  • Low beam: LED

  • High beam & fog lamps: Halogen

  • Front parking sensors and 360° camera (camera quality is weak)

  • Tyres: 215/65 R17 (options for 17 and 18 inches)

  • 20% recycled material used in construction

Rear Design

  • Fresh Dacia badging

  • Rear parking sensors

  • Lightly tinted rear glass (legal in Europe)

  • Boot space is slightly compromised in the hybrid variant

  • No spare wheel

Renault Duster front profile with partial side view
The Renault Duster’s front profile with sharp headlamps and muscular styling, partially showing the side design.
Renault Duster complete side and front profile
Complete side and front design of the Renault Duster featuring bold stance and aerodynamic lines.
Renault Duster full side profile view
The entire side profile of the Renault Duster with body cladding and roof rails visible.
Renault Duster rear and side profile
The rear tail-lamps and side structure of the Renault Duster in focus.

Interior & Features

Build Quality

  • Mostly hard plastics

  • Soft-touch door panels made from recycled Rexster material

  • Durable feel but not luxurious

  • Large glovebox (may be smaller in India’s RHD version)

Infotainment System

  • 10.1-inch touchscreen

  • Slightly aftermarket feel but intuitive UI

  • Android Auto & Apple CarPlay – wired & wireless

  • Built-in navigation, app store access

  • Custom widgets and minimal mode

  • Physical buttons for volume and screen off

Instrument Cluster (MID)

  • 7-inch fully digital MID

  • Customizable views: Eco, Power, Speed, Compass, Energy Flow

  • Shows EV mode, fuel range, and more

Storage & Utility

  • Deep cubby holes, large glovebox

  • 2 USB-C ports in front

  • Wireless charging pad

  • Additional rear USB-C ports (12.2W)

Comfort & AC

  • Physical AC controls (not touch-based)

  • Rear AC vents

  • Halogen cabin lights (front & rear)

  • Manual IRVM (not electrochromic)

  • No sunroof – this may be a drawback for Indian buyers

Convenience & Controls

  • Engine start/stop button

  • Automatic headlamps & wipers

  • Renault-style stalk controls for media & cruise

  • Cruise control with speed limiter

  • Smart Holder Mount system (for phone, bottle accessories)

Front Seats

  • No electric adjustments

  • No seat ventilation

  • Lumbar support available

  • Fabric upholstery – resistant to dirt, looks neat on camera

Rear Seat 

  • Ample legroom & headroom

  • Tinted rear glass offers privacy

  • Decent thigh support

  • 60:40 split-folding seats

  • No rear armrest or cupholders

  • 3 headrests with 3-point seatbelts

  • 2 USB-C ports in the rear

Boot Utilities:

  • 12V socket

  • Halogen boot lamp

  • Utility hooks

Renault Duster steering wheel and dashboard interior
Focus on the Renault Duster steering wheel, infotainment screen, instrument cluster, and center console.
Renault Duster full front cabin including dashboard and seats
Full view of Renault Duster’s front interior including dashboard, infotainment, seats, and door trims.
Renault Duster digital instrument cluster
Renault Duster’s 7-inch customizable digital instrument cluster in focus.
Renault Duster infotainment system and AC controls
Central infotainment screen and climate controls of the Renault Duster.

ADAS & Safety Features

  • ADAS with customizable settings:

    • Emergency braking

    • Lane keep assist

    • Traffic sign recognition

    • Hill descent control

    • Shortcut button for driver assistance

  • Despite 360° camera support, camera quality is poor

Final Verdict – What to Expect for India?

  • Suspension and steering feel less engaging than the older Duster

  • Renault should:

    • Localize production in India

    • Tune suspension and tyres for Indian roads

    • Rebalance feature set and pricing for Indian market

If launched with the right pricing and feature mix, the Renault Dacia Duster could redefine the compact SUV segment in India once again.

Frequently Asked Questions – Renault Duster 2025-26

1. When will the new Renault Duster launch in India?

The new Renault Duster is expected to launch in India by late 2025 or early 2026.

2. What engine options will be available in the 2025 Duster?

The Duster will offer a 1.2L turbo petrol engine and a 1.6L strong hybrid petrol variant with dual motors.

3. What is the expected price of the Renault Duster 2025 in India?

The expected price is under ₹20 lakh, making it highly competitive in the compact SUV segment.

4. Will the new Duster come with diesel engine?

No, Renault has confirmed that the new Duster will not have a diesel engine option.

5. What are the key features of the Renault Duster 2025?

Highlights include a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, 360° camera, ADAS features, strong hybrid powertrain, and a digital instrument cluster.

6. Is the 2025 Duster good for Indian roads?

Yes, it offers a 217 mm ground clearance and durable suspension, although Indian tuning may improve it further for local roads.

Stay tuned to motoryaan.com for more automotive news, reviews, and updates.

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