Renault has finally launched the new generation of the Renault Duster in India. The iconic compact SUV is back after a long gap with a starting introductory price of Rs 10.49 lakh (ex-showroom). Bookings are now open across India and deliveries of the turbo petrol variants will begin in April.

The Duster was once one of the most popular SUVs in the country. The new model aims to bring back that rugged character while adding modern design, more technology, and hybrid powertrain options.

Variant-wise Pricing

The new Duster is available in five variants: Authentic, Evolution, Techno, Techno Plus, and Iconic. It is offered with two turbo petrol engines at launch. The strong hybrid version will arrive later this year.

All prices are ex-showroom.

It is important to note that customers who book the SUV before March 31 using Renault’s R-Pass can get a discount of up to Rs 40,000.

Deliveries for the petrol variants will start in April. The strong hybrid version is expected to arrive in November.

The new Duster is available in six colours: Mountain Jade Green, River Blue, Sunset Red, Pearl White, Moonlight Silver and Stealth Black. Some colours will also be available with a dual tone black roof.

The new Duster keeps the boxy and rugged design that made the original model popular. However, it now looks more modern and premium.

The front features an upright design with a flat bonnet and a wide rectangular grille. Instead of the Renault badge, the grille prominently displays the Duster name. Slim LED headlamps sit on both sides and include thin LED daytime running lights that also function as turn indicators.

The bumper is tall and muscular with a wide air intake and a silver skid plate style element at the bottom. Fog lamps are placed at the outer corners in dark housings. From the side, the SUV keeps a strong boxy silhouette with squared wheel arches and thick body cladding. It also gets roof rails and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Key dimensions include a length of 4346 mm, width of 1815 mm, height of 1703 mm and a wheelbase of 2657 mm. The SUV offers 212 mm ground clearance and 518 litres of boot space.

At the rear, the tailgate is almost vertical. The LED tail lamps are placed at the corners and connected by a horizontal light bar across the tailgate.

Renault will also offer a special Iconic Launch Edition limited to 2026 units. This version comes in Mountain Jade Green colour with yellow stripes and graphics inspired by the Himalayas.

Inside, the new Duster gets a sporty all-black cabin theme. The dashboard has a layered design with a large floating touchscreen infotainment display. The dashboard and door panels include textured surfaces and soft-touch materials. AC vents are chunky and angular in design. The centre console includes physical toggle controls and a rotary drive mode selector on certain variants. The seats get thick cushioning with contrast stitching and leatherette upholstery.

The cabin also offers several practical storage spaces, including large door pockets, cup holders and a wide centre armrest.

Safety features include six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control and ISOFIX child seat mounts. The SUV also gets a 360 degree camera, rain-sensing wipers and disc brakes on all four wheels. It also includes a Level 2 ADAS suite with 17 driver assistance features. Renault says the SUV uses 57 percent high strength steel and expects the model to achieve a 5-star rating in NCAP crash tests.

Engine Options

The Renault Duster comes with three engine options, including a strong hybrid that will be launched later this year.

The company says the platform can also support CNG, flex fuel and even electric powertrains in the future. It is also designed to meet upcoming BS7 emission norms.

Currently the SUV is offered with front wheel drive. However Renault says the platform is ready to support four wheel drive and electric all wheel drive systems later.

Rivals

The new Duster will compete with popular SUVs such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun and Honda Elevate.