With all the hype about the next-generation Renault Duster’s India launch, details have been sparse for enthusiasts. Apart from knowing that the Duster will be based on a CMF-B global platform and derives design inspiration from the Dacia Bigster concept, only a few images have been revealed. Now, the Duster has been officially unveiled by Dacia in Portugal.
The CMF-B global platform underpins not only the Renault Duster, but other models from Renault, Dacia, and Nissan. Also, the new Duster will spawn a Nissan derivative, similar to how the older Duster and the Terrano shared platforms. Compared to the Dacia Duster that was unveiled, the Renault version will have slight changes when launched here.
The Duster will feature Y-shaped DRLs, along with boxy wheel arches, a slim grille, and vertical air vents in the front. Overall, the Duster will continue to retain its butch looks with roof rails, 18-inch wheels, and plastic cladding on the lower half of the vehicle. The new Renault Duster will have a wheelbase of 2,657mm and will also have a seven-seater version.
Inside, the new Duster gets a centre console, slightly oriented towards the driver, with a 7-inch instrument console, a 10-inch infotainment system, and a round-ish steering wheel with controls for various functions. The Duster will feature wireless charging, wireless smartphone connectivity, a six-speaker audio system, and ADAS.
New Renault Duster engine specifications
Coming to the powertrain options, unlike the older-generation Duster, the new Renault Duster will not get a diesel engine. Instead, Renault will offer three petrol engines, out of which two will be electrified. The first is a 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid engine with two electric motors mated to an automatic gearbox.
The second option will be a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 48V starter batter that makes around 130bhp. The third option is a 1.0-litre engine with an LPG option for select markets. Also, similar to its predecessor, the new Duster will get 4X2 and 4X4 options, however, the latter will not be a system similar to the Jimny.
The Duster will feature terrain modes like Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, off-road, and Eco. Complimenting its off-road capabilities will be hill-descent control and all the off-road associated information on the infotainment system.
When launched in 2025, the new Renault Duster will compete with the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota Hyryder, along with the Nissan version that will be based on the Duster.
