Renault India on Monday unveiled the next-generation Duster, marking the return of the iconic model that played a key role in the early growth of India’s compact SUV segment. The launch also marks the French automaker’s re-entry into one of the country’s most competitive segments after a four-year hiatus.
The new Duster is engineered on the Renault Group’s new modular platform and will be offered with two turbo-petrol engines as well as a hybrid powertrain. It will be powered by the Turbo TCe 160 engine and the hybrid E-Tech 160 1.8-litre GDI engine, paired with a 1.4 kWh battery and an eight-speed DHT transmission with two motors.
“For the first time our strong hybrid technology offers a super efficient fuel economy solution with the best EV feeling in the market,” Stephane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group India, said at a launch event in Chennai.
Duster price announcement
Renault will announce prices for the new Duster in mid-March. Deliveries of the turbo variants will begin from mid-March, while deliveries of the hybrid variants will commence from Diwali 2026, Francisco Hidalgo, VP of sales and marketing, Renault India, said.
The new Duster will be available in six colours including Jade Mountain Green, Pearl White, Moonlight Silver, Stealth Black, Sunset Red and River Blue. Bookings for the SUV open on Monday at Rs 21,000.
Launched in India in 2012, the Duster created the compact SUV (B+) segment, which has since emerged as one of the most buoyant segments in the domestic passenger vehicle market, accounting for 14% of sales in 2025. The new Duster will compete with models such as the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Toyota Hyryder and Honda Elevate.
India’s passenger vehicle market
India’s passenger vehicle market has seen a sharp shift towards SUVs, whose share has risen from 12% to nearly 55% amid a wave of new launches and changing consumer preferences, while the traditional mini and compact segments have declined sharply. The Duster sold over 200,000 units in India before it was discontinued in early 2022.
The third-generation Duster will be the first model launched under Renault’s International Game Plan 2027 in India and will serve as a key pillar of the company’s India-focused transformation strategy. Globally, Renault Group has committed an investment of €3 billion under the plan to consolidate its product portfolio and improve profitability.
“As part of the Renault International Game Plan 2027, we are making India a key pillar of our growth outside Europe,” Fabrice Cambolive, Chief Growth Officer, Renault Group, and CEO of the Renault brand, said. He added that Renault has built a strong ecosystem in Chennai encompassing design, engineering, manufacturing and local operations. “Today, we have the means to fully support our ambitions in India. The new Duster is the first step in Renault’s renewal in India.”
In August 2025, Renault announced the acquisition of Nissan Motor’s 51% stake in their joint venture, Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd, making it the sole owner of the Chennai manufacturing facility. The new Duster will be assembled at the plant, one of Renault’s five manufacturing hubs outside Europe.
Operational since 2008, the Chennai facility has produced over three million vehicles, including 1.2 million units exported to more than 100 countries. It has also manufactured 4.6 million engines and gearboxes. The plant currently assembles the Renault Triber (multi-purpose vehicle) and Kiger (compact SUV), both launched in 2025.
Renault also operates the Renault Design Center Chennai, inaugurated in August 2025, which forms a key part of the company’s “renault. rethink” brand strategy for the Indian market.