“The Legend Returns. Stronger. Smarter. Bolder.”
Renault India officially brings back one of its most iconic SUVs — the third-generation Renault Duster — with a grand launch on January 26, 2026, perfectly timed with Republic Day celebrations. Discontinued in 2022, the Duster now returns to reclaim its space in India’s fiercely competitive midsize SUV segment.
The launch event begins at 6:30 PM IST, marking a new chapter under Renault’s ambitious global strategy.
📌 Table of Contents
- Launch Details
- Design Highlights
- Interior & Features
- Engine & Powertrain Options
- Expected Price & Rivals
- Why Duster Matters in India
🚀 Launch Details
The new Duster debuts under Renault’s “renault.rethink” strategy and International Game Plan 2027. Built on the highly localized CMF-B platform, it supports modern electronics, enhanced safety systems, and multiple powertrain options.
A Nissan badge-engineered sibling (internally known as Tekton) is also planned for launch by mid-2026. Renault is focusing heavily on localization to keep costs low and ensure easier parts availability.
🧱 Design Highlights
The 2026 Renault Duster adopts a bold, rugged, and boxy design language:
- Squared proportions with muscular wheel arches
- Heavy body cladding for a true SUV stance
- Sleek LED headlamps with eyebrow-style DRLs (India-specific)
- Connected LED tail-light bar with C-shaped elements
- New bumpers designed specifically for Indian roads
Expected Dimensions:
- Length: ~4.3 m
- Width: ~1.8 m
- Height: ~1.6 m
- Wheelbase: ~2.6 m
🖥️ Interior & Features
The cabin gets a complete overhaul with a modern yet rugged feel:
- Layered dashboard with angular design
- Hexagonal AC vents
- Driver-focused center console
- 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- 7-inch digital instrument cluster
- Wireless phone charging
- 360-degree camera
- Possible ADAS — a first for Renault India
⚙️ Engine & Powertrain Options
At launch, the Duster will be offered with petrol-only engines:
- 1.3-litre Turbo Petrol (HR13) – 156 hp
Manual & CVT options - 1.0-litre Turbo Petrol – Entry-level engine from Kiger
There will be no diesel engine initially. Renault is evaluating a 1.6-litre strong hybrid system producing around 140 hp with an e-CVT gearbox.
To keep costs in check, the SUV will focus on front-wheel drive, with no AWD option planned for India.
💰 Expected Price & Rivals
The new Renault Duster is expected to be priced between:
₹10 lakh – ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom)
Key Rivals:
- Hyundai Creta
- Kia Seltos
- Maruti Grand Vitara / Victara
- Toyota Hyryder
- Honda Elevate
- VW Taigun & Skoda Kushaq
- Tata Sierra & Curvv (upcoming)
🏆 Why Duster Matters in India
The Renault Duster didn’t just enter the segment — it created it. When launched in 2012, it sold over 40,000 units in its first year and changed how Indians viewed compact SUVs.
The third-generation model aims to revive that legacy in a much tougher, feature-packed market — with modern tech, aggressive pricing, and a strong SUV identity.
The legend is back. And this time, it’s playing to win.