The 2024 Renault Duster has made its global debut. It was unveiled in Portugal by Renault’s Romania-based subsidiary– Dacia— the original owners of Duster SUV. Initially, it will hit the European markets in 2024, and it is expected to go on sale in India sometime around Diwali 2025.
Once the primary breadwinner for Renault in India, Duster was first launched in India in 2012 and discontinued in 2022 after a long run of poor sales. The Indian market received the first generation model of Duster only, while the second-gen model never landed on Indian soil.
2024 Renault Duster: Design
Based on the Dacia Bigster concept unveiled a couple of years ago, the third-gen Duster carries over several design elements from the former. For instance, the production model will get Y-shaped LED DRLs in the headlights connected to each other across the width of the grille with illuminated elements.
The ‘DC’ logo taking centre stage will be replaced by Renault’s new double diamond logo, according to the markets in which the car is sold. The scooped-out hood, a flat front fascia, and a chunky bumper gives the SUV a more brawny appeal than the outgoing model. Dacia has retained a similar side profile for the new-gen Duster with minimal creases and lines.
However, flared wheel arches with thick square claddings accentuate the SUV’s beefy stance. At the rear, the Y-shaped theme is carried over to the taillights as well while the tailgate seems flatter than the previous model. Other visual highlights include a roof mounted spoiler, roof rails, blacked-out B and C pillars, a distinctive rear quarter glass, and diamond-cut, dual-tone alloy wheels.
2024 Renault Duster: Interiors & Features
Cabin interiors of the new-gen Duster have been heavily revamped with a completely new layout. Highlights include a 3-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel, hexagonal AC vents with similar Y-shaped elements, and a free-standing 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. A horizontal panel below the centre AC vents houses multiple buttons that control the infotainment and HVAC system.
Another prominent highlight is a mobile phone mount beside the steering wheel. Feature highlights include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charging, digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, and a 6-speaker Arkamys 3D sound system.
The third gen Duster will also be high on safety tech with features such as multiple airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and a comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite comprising vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist and motorcycle detection, rear parking assistant, lane change warning and assist, etc.
2024 Renault Duster: Engine options
The new-gen Duster is offered with three engine options– 120 hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine; a 140hp, 1.2-litre turbo petrol motor, and a 170hp, 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine. The latter two options are paired with mild hybrid setup while the 1.3-litre unit is also flex fuel compatible. This unit is the most powerful motor in the Duster lineup ever.
2024 Renault Duster: Expected India launch
To be underpinned by Renault’s CMF-B platform, the upcoming Duster is expected to be longer than its predecessor. In fact, it is expected to come as a three-row version in some markets. Besides this, the new Duster will also be rebadged into two Nissan models. Renault is expected to bring the third-gen Duster to India probably by 2025. It will rival the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and MG Astor among others.
