Renault recently confirmed that the new-generation Duster will make its India debut on January 26, 2026. This marks not just the return of an SUV, but also a serious Renault comeback in the Indian market. The car will be available for sale shortly after its showroom debut, indicating how seriously Renault is taking this project. Will this new Duster rekindle that magic? Let us tell you everything about it in detail.
Read more: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Launch Date Confirmed – Power Packed Chipset Coming Soon
Return of an Icon
The biggest highlight of this comeback is that it is directly linked to Renault’s broader global roadmap. The company’s new ‘International Game Plan 2027’ includes a new seven-seater SUV and a budget-oriented electric city car for developing markets, and the new Duster is the first move in this program. When the first-generation model arrived in India in 2012, it virtually created a sub-category of its own, and Renault is clearly keen to recapture the goodwill it left behind. Globally, the Duster has sold over 1.8 million units, and in India alone, the older model sold over 200,000 units. This figure is a testament to its popularity.
Challenges
However, the midsize SUV market is no longer the untouched arena the old Duster once enjoyed. Today, the Hyundai Creta firmly dominates the category, but nearly every brand—Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra, Kia, Toyota, Tata, Honda, VW, Skoda, and MG—wants a piece of the pie, with some even launching multiple products there. The category now accounts for nearly a quarter of India’s passenger vehicle volume. This means the new Duster will face stiff competition to succeed. This is a race where each competitor is already racing at their own pace.
New Design and Platform
The biggest highlight is that this all-new version will share nothing with its predecessor. Renault will build it at its Oragadam plant near Chennai, and the SUV will switch to a heavily Indianized version of the CMF-B platform. Building on a new platform means improved safety, better performance, and a better driving experience. This is the strong foundation on which this new player will rest.
Features and Technology
Inside, Renault is moving to a high-set center console that will feature an electronic selector for automatic variants, a 10.1-inch OpenR touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a 7-inch digital cluster for the driver. Y-shaped detailing will also be seen on the vents and door pads. Buyers will also get wireless charging, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and Type-C ports. In terms of safety, it will include a 360-degree camera system, six airbags, electronic stability control, and Level 2 ADAS functions such as lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning, and autonomous emergency braking.
Read more: 2026 Kawasaki Z1100 launched in India: Top Highlights of This Super Naked Bike Priced at ₹13.79 Lakh
Powertrain
Renault has not yet confirmed the powertrain, but initially, a pair of turbo petrol engines with manual and automatic options are expected. This move seems to be the right decision given the market demand and enthusiasm. Hybrid or other options may be introduced later.
