2025 was meant to be an instrumental year for Renault in India with the much anticipated Duster expected to make a comeback sometime later this year. However, much to the disappointment of all the people awaiting for the same, the launch of the brand new Duster has been delayed and pushed to the next year.
Recent reports reveal that the third-gen Renault Duster which was earlier expected to launch around Diwali in 2025 has seemingly been pushed to 2026. The reason for this postponement in launch isn’t known yet. In its third-generation now, the latest iteration of Duster made its global debut in 2023 and has been on sale in several international markets.
New-gen Renault Duster launch delayed
Originally a product of Dacia, a Romanian subsidiary of the French carmaker, the latest iteration of the Duster has been spotted testing on Indian roads on multiple occasions over the past few months. The new-gen Duster will be based on Renault’s CMF-B platform and carries forward the signature ruggedness of the old Duster.
The new Renault Duster will have a wheelbase of 2,657mm and will also come with a seven-seat derivative named the Bigster, which broke cover in October 2024 globally. Internationally, the upcoming Duster is offered in multiple engine options including 120 hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine; a 140hp, 1.2-litre turbo petrol motor, and a 170 hp, 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine.
The latter two options are paired with a mild hybrid setup while the 1.3-litre unit is also flex fuel compatible. The India-spec Duster is expected to be offered with at least two petrol engine options and no diesel powertrain. Transmission options for the India-spec model will include a 6-speed manual, and a CVT automatic transmission.
New-gen Triber, Kiger facelift launch in 2025
That said, the French carmaker has revealed that it will launch two new models this year. One of them is a new generation model of the Triber. Since it was first introduced in 2019, the Triber hasn’t received any significant upgrades. Although Renault hasn’t revealed the exact nature of updates to be seen in the updated compact MPV, we expect mechanicals including the powertrain and underpinnings to remain unchanged.
The new Triber will most likely receive some design overhaul over the current model drawing inspiration from the latest Espace MPV sold in international markets. We also expect the MPV to gain some better features over its predecessor such as a larger touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, auto climate control, etc.
The Kiger was launched in early 2021 and Renault will most likely give the sub-compact SUV a mid-cycle facelift this year. We expect minor exterior changes on the updated Kiger such as a redesigned face, new headlights and taillights, and new alloy wheels. The updated Kiger will also get a relaid cabin inspired by the Kardian SUV.
