New Renault Duster: What We Know So Far
The right-hand drive version of the 2025 Renault Duster has debuted in South Africa and could soon make its way to India. The third-generation SUV is expected to shake up the segment with its modern design, robust features, and strategic focus on petrol-powered engines. Also, the right-hand drive Duster for India was recently spotted undergoing testing, suggesting a launch by late 2025. The sighting also confirmed ADAS on the production form.
A Shift To Turbocharged Petrol Power
The new Duster makes a transition to petrol engines, a departure from the earlier models that offered diesel options. For India, the SUV is expected to introduce a 1.3-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (HR13DDT), developed in collaboration with Nissan and also used by Mercedes-Benz (as the M232) on some of their global models.
It will be available in two power outputs: 130 BHP/ 240 Nm and 150 BHP/ 250 Nm. Indians are already familiar with this engine, as it was available for a short period, in the previous-generation Duster and Nissan Kicks in the post-BS6 era.
Two Transmission Options Will Be Available!
Renault is likely to offer two gearbox choices- a six-speed manual and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox (EDC – Efficient Dual Clutch). The automatic, however, would have a wet clutch design. We have seen many models struggle in the Indian road and weather conditions with their dry-clutch layouts. The Duster could thus become a practical yet fun-to-drive solution for most use cases.
Will There Be 4WD?
The South African spec comes with 4WD tech and features like terrain modes- four-wheel drive lock, eco all-wheel drive and also sand, snow and auto, and Hill descent control. On the Indian spec, however, Renault could offer an AWD instead of 4WD. This too, is likely to be optional and most variants will have a front wheel layout.
Interior And Features To Be Expected
The new Duster is expected to come with features like a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, driver-inclined touchscreen infotainment panel with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, leatherette ventilated seats, powered driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control and ADAS. Unlike the Duster that was on sale in India previously, in which the cabin felt low rent, the new SUV will have a more upmarket feel to its interior.
New Platform Incoming!
The carmaker will base the third generation Duster on the new-age CMF-B LS(Common Module Family) platform. The ‘LS’ stands for ‘Low Specification’- an iteration aimed at developing markets like India. Like its predecessor, the third-generation will also be a badge-engineered Dacia Duster 2025. Dacia had launched this SUV in Europe last year.
Though the architecture supports mild hybrid and strong hybrid forms, the new Duster is least likely to get an all-electric variant. Withe the CAFE (corporate average fuel efficiency) norms kicking in by 2027, Renault will be forced to hybridize the Duster- not sure if it is going to be a strong hybrid or a mild hybrid.
Most Important Launch For Renault In Years
The new Duster will be a super important launch for Renault. It would be coming to India more than a decade after the first generation had debuted here. We never got the second generation and this is the third generation of the SUV. It also marks the debut of CMF-B LS platform in India, which could form the base of various Renault and Nissan models in the future.
When launched, the new Duster will rival the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder. The SUV could also overlap with the Thar ROXX, the Scorpio-N, the XUV700, the Tata Harrier and Safari with its pricing. The French manufacturer could also introduce a seven-seater version to the Duster. The three-row version will be based on the Dacia Bigster, and could launch in 2026.
Renault finding success with the new Duster will be critical in keeping the brand live and functioning in the Indian market. Currently, Renault’s Indian portfolio includes the Kwid, Kiger, and Triber, and none of these are hot-cakes. Market share has slumped to less than 1%. If it manages to pull off the new Duster well, sales could shoot back up and Renault could regain its lost glory.
Badge- Engineered Versions Coming Too
Like what they used to do with the first-generation SUVs, Nissan could make their badge-engineered versions of the third-generation Duster as well. This means we could get a new Terrano in both 5 seater and 7 seater forms. The Nissan-badged Duster could launch in India later next year and the 7-seater could follow at a later date. Both the new Duster and Nissan-badged Duster will be built at the Renault-Nissan joint manufacturing facility at Oragadam, Chennai.