New RENAULT DUSTER Production Starts This Month!
The Renault Duster is all set to make a comeback in India after a four-year break, and this time it's coming back with a modern design, more features, and new engine options. Production will start in Chennai in September 2025, and you should see it in showrooms early next year.
As we know, the original Duster was a huge hit and actually kicked off the craze for affordable family SUVs in India back in 2012. As demand dropped, production was discontinued in India in 2022. But old Dusters (and Nissan Terrano, its sibling) are still quite common on Indian roads.
What’s New With the Upcoming Duster?
Launch, Versions, and Price
First, you’ll get petrol engine choices; a hybrid will show up about six to twelve months later.
Renault is planning both 5-seater and 7-seater options, and Nissan will sell its own similar SUV.
Prices are expected to start around ₹10-17 lakh - we think there will be a lot of overlap between Duster and its rivals.
Design and Features
The new Duster looks way sharper, with stylish Y-shaped LED headlights, beefy body cladding, new alloys, and a bigger grille - the nameplate is spelled out across the boot for extra swagger.
Step inside, and it feels completely fresh. There’s a big 10.1-inch touchscreen (wireless CarPlay and Android Auto!), all-digital instrument cluster, fancy steering wheel, and much nicer materials. Even the AC vents match the exterior lights.
Engine Choices
This time, there are three engines expected:
1.2-litre turbo-petrol mild hybrid (130 Bhp)
1.6-litre strong hybrid (140 Bhp with electric motors)
1.3-litre turbo-petrol with 160 Bhp (returning from the previous Duster)
Transmission choices include manual and automatic.
Safety and Tech
You’ll get cool safety stuff now, like multiple airbags, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, and some smart driver assistance features (emergency braking, lane-keeping, and more). Extras like a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and heated/ventilated seats are also in the mix.
Who Will Fight The New Duster?
The Duster will battle all the popular compact and mid-size SUVs, each with its own superpower:
Hyundai Creta - The segment leader. USP: Loaded features, rock-solid reliability, great resale, massive service network.
Kia Seltos - Sporty attitude. USP: Striking looks, tech-heavy dashboard, punchy engines, long warranty.
Maruti Grand Vitara - Best on fuel. USP: Impressive hybrid mileage, super-low running cost, strong service.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder - Twin to Grand Vitara. USP: Toyota reputation, hybrid tech, comfortable ride.
Skoda Kushaq - Driver’s delight. USP: Sharp handling, solid build quality, European style.
Volkswagen Taigun - Premium German feel. USP: Plush interiors, strong safety, fun-to-drive.
MG Astor - Big on tech. USP: In-car AI assistant, jam-packed features, strong value-for-money.
Honda Elevate - Reliable new entry. USP: Spacious, comfy ride, smooth engines.
Tata Curvv - Future-ready SUV coupe. USP: Stylish coupe design, robust safety, unique looks.
Citroen Basalt - Quirky French choice. USP: Eye-catching design, aggressive pricing.
Maruti Victoris - Just-launched USP- Larger, German-car looks
Tata Sierra ICE - In the works. USP: Nostalgia, ICE and EV
The Duster Story in India: How It All Began
The Renault Duster originally launched in July 2012, right when Indian families wanted something tougher than a hatchback but didn’t want the size or price of big SUVs. Renault made changes just for us: stronger doors, tuned the engine for Indian fuel, and aimed for mileage close to 20 km/l.
By listening directly to Indian customers in early focus groups, Renault adapted the design and created a solid, reliable SUV that was fun to drive and easy to own. In its first year, Duster sold about 40,000 units, won 29 awards, and basically started the compact SUV trend in India.
Then came the rough patch. While rivals launched upgrades and new features, Renault barely updated the Duster for nearly a decade. Sales dropped, and it was discontinued in 2022. We never got the second-gen Duster seen overseas, but now, the new third-generation Duster is coming soon - a true reset for a much-loved nameplate.
The Duster is finally getting the modern makeover it deserves. With better tech, hybrids, sharper design, and more choices, it’s all set to win back old fans - and maybe even steal some new ones from the competition.