Renault India has officially teased the third-generation Renault Duster, marking the iconic SUV’s highly anticipated return to the Indian market after a brief hiatus. The teaser showcases a completely redesigned model inspired by the Bigster concept, featuring aggressive styling, modern technology, and India-specific tweaks. The new Duster is set to make its global debut for the Indian market on January 26, 2026—coinciding with Republic Day—reviving a nameplate that pioneered the compact SUV segment in India back in 2012.
The original Duster played a crucial role in popularising affordable yet capable SUVs, helping establish a mid-size segment that now accounts for nearly a quarter of India’s passenger vehicle sales. Renault’s latest move signals a spirited comeback strategy under its ‘International Game Plan 2027’.
2026 India-spec Renault Duster with new design
The teaser for the 2026 India-spec Renault Duster highlights a bold, rugged exterior that departs significantly from the previous generation:
– Front fascia with Y-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs), sleek LED headlights, muscular bonnet with aggressive scoops, large air intakes, integrated fog lamps, and chrome-accented grille bearing the updated Renault logo.
– Side profile featuring squared-off wheel arches, protective body cladding, functional roof rails, dual-tone alloy wheels, and a robust stance.
– Rear design includes V-shaped LED taillights with Y-signature, an integrated roof spoiler, rear skid plate, and—unique to India—a full-width connected LED tail lamp bar (not available on global Dacia or Renault versions).
The overall aesthetic seems modern and adventurous, highlighting off-road capability while appealing to urban buyers. Inside, the cabin adopts a fresh, rugged layout with Y-shaped AC vents, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, wireless charging, ventilated front seats, and an Arkamys 3D sound system with six speakers.
Renault Duster: Advanced features and off-road prowess
The 2026 Duster in the European-spec packs segment-leading tech, including a comprehensive ADAS suite, like automatic emergency braking, detection for vehicles/pedestrians/cyclists/motorcycles, traffic sign recognition with speeding alerts, lane change warning/assist, rear parking assistance, and more.
For off-road enthusiasts, the SUV offers 4×4 variants with Terrain Control featuring five modes (Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, Off-road, Eco), hill-descent control (up to 30 km/h), 217 mm ground clearance, 31-degree approach angle, and 36-degree departure angle. Off-road data is displayed on the infotainment screen for real-time monitoring.
2026 Duster engine options tailored for India
Globally, the new Duster is available with multiple efficient engines:
– 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol with mild-hybrid assistance.
– 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo bi-fuel (petrol-LPG).
– 1.6-litre strong hybrid with two electric motors and a 1.2 kWh battery.
For India, Renault is expected to focus on petrol-only options initially, likely including a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol (around 156 hp) or the 1.2-litre mild-hybrid, paired with manual and automatic transmissions. A 4×4 drivetrain will be available on higher trims, with hybrid variants possibly joining later.
Renault Duster India positioning
Once launched (expected shortly after the January debut), the new Duster will rival popular midsize SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Honda Elevate, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, MG Astor, Skoda Kushaq, and Volkswagen Taigun. Pricing details are yet to be announced, but analysts anticipate a competitive range starting around Rs 11-12 lakh to undercut rivals while offering superior value in features and capability.
