Renault has launched the third-generation Duster in India at an introductory price of Rs. 1,029,000 (US$ 11,130).

The new SUV marks the return of the Duster nameplate after it was discontinued in 2022. Built on Renault's new RGMP platform, the latest Duster gets an all-new design and multiple powertrain options, including turbo-petrol engines and a strong hybrid that will arrive later in the year.

Pre-bookings via the 'R Pass' had opened earlier for Rs. 21,000 and are valid till March 31st. Deliveries of the turbo-petrol variants are set to begin in April. The strong-hybrid version will follow later.

Price

1.0-litre turbo-petrol:

- Authentic: Standard price Rs. 1,049,000; With R Pass Rs. 1,029,000
- Evolution: Standard price Rs. 1.16 million; With R Pass Rs. 1.13 million
- Techno: Standard price Rs. 1.34 million; With R Pass Rs. 1.31 million
- Techno+: NA (not available)
- Iconic: NA
- Iconic Launch Edition: NA

1.3-litre turbo-petrol:

- Authentic: NA
- Evolution: Standard price Rs. 1.29 million; With R Pass Rs. 1.26 million
- Techno: Standard price Rs. 1.44 million; With R Pass Rs. 1.41 million
- Techno+: Standard price Rs. 1.52 million; With R Pass Rs. 1.49 million
- Iconic: Standard price Rs. 1.69 million; With R Pass Rs. 1.65 million
- Iconic Launch Edition: Standard price NA; With R Pass Rs. 1.67 million

1.3-litre turbo-petrol DCT:

- Authentic: NA
- Evolution: Standard price Rs. 1.44 million; With R Pass Rs. 1.39 million
- Techno: Standard price Rs. 1.58 million; With R Pass Rs. 1.54 million
- Techno+: Standard price Rs. 1.66 million; With R Pass Rs. 1.62 million
- Iconic: Standard price Rs. 1.84 million; With R Pass Rs. 1.8 million
- Iconic Launch Edition: Standard price NA; With R Pass Rs. 1.82 million

Prices for the new Duster start at Rs. 1,029,000 and go up to Rs. 1,849,000 (ex-showroom). The SUV is available in five trim levels - Authentic, Evolution, Techno, Techno+ and Iconic. Renault is offering an 'R Pass' pre-booking benefit, which lowers the effective price of each variant by Rs. 20,000-40,000 and offers priority delivery.

Renault is also introducing a new subscription programme with the Duster, which will commence from April 1. The plan will not require a down payment and will bundle on-road costs and servicing into a single monthly fee. Customers will be able to choose from multiple tenure and mileage options, and at the end of the term, they can extend the subscription, return the vehicle, or buy it. Renault says 39% of bookings in metro cities are for the upcoming strong-hybrid powertrain, while nationwide 91% of customers have opted for the more powerful 162 PS turbo-petrol engine.

Engine and gearbox options

The new Duster is available with two turbo-petrol engine options at launch. A 1.0-litre turbo-petrol produces 101 PS and 160 Nm and is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. A larger 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine develops 165 PS and 280 Nm and is available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Renault will also introduce a 1.8-litre strong-hybrid petrol powertrain by Diwali 2026. It combines a 111 PS petrol engine with a 50 PS electric motor and a 20 PS hybrid starter generator, supported by a 1.4 kWh battery. Total system output is rated at 162 PS and 172 Nm.

Exterior design

The India-spec Duster gets several styling changes compared to the global model. It features LED headlights with eyebrow-shaped daytime running lamps that also function as turn indicators. The front grille carries large 'Duster' lettering instead of the Renault logo.

Other highlights include rugged body cladding, C-pillar-mounted rear door handles and up to 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. The SUV also gets functional roof rails with a 50 kg load capacity and a 212 mm ground clearance.

At the rear, the triangular LED tail-lamps are connected by a light bar, and the bumper features a contrasting silver surround.

Length: 4,346
Width: 1,815
Height: 1,701
Wheelbase: 2,657
Ground clearance: 212

Boot space is rated at 518-litres, while kerb weight starts at 1,411 kg.

Interior and features

The India-spec Duster gets a redesigned dashboard with a dual-screen setup and a mix of digital and physical controls. The cabin uses leatherette upholstery on the seats, dashboard and door panels.

Key features include a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control and a wireless phone charger. The SUV also gets a panoramic sunroof, a powered tailgate, and 6-way powered and ventilated front seats, apart from a sliding front armrest with storage and a rear centre armrest with cupholders.

Rivals

The new Duster competes in the midsize SUV segment against models such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Maruti Victoris, Tata Sierra, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq. Coupe-SUV alternatives like the Tata Curvv and Citroen Basalt also fall in a similar price bracket.