All New, India-Bound Duster 4X4 Shows How Capable It Is [Video]
India loves the Duster. As Renault plans to revamp its domestic portfolio in the coming years, the new Duster will play a crucial part in it. We expect it to launch sometime in 2025. It will be a rebadged version of the Dacia Duster sold in many global markets. As we wait eagerly for its India debut, a new video of the India-bound Duster has now surfaced, which shows it perform insane stunts. The video shows how capable this SUV is.
The video starts by showing a Duster (which wears the Dacia logo instead of Renault) moving towards a ramp. It uses the ramp to lift its right wheels and then starts driving on two wheels, with the other two in the air. The Duster being a tall, butch SUV would likely have a fairly high centre of gravity. This would make it challenging for the driver to pull off this maneuver. It is also evident from the video that the vehicle shown in it has 4WD.
India-Bound Renault Duster: What To Expect?
The upcoming Renault Duster will have both 5-seater and 7-seater versions to it. The 5-seater will have major design reworks compared to the previous models that were on sale here. The India-spec will likely have the same design that you see in these videos, except for the DC (Dacia) badge. It will come with a Renault logo instead.
The cabin will have significant changes gone into it. The feature list will see major additions and revamps as well. Expect the likes of 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 previous model, the new Duster will use more upmarket materials and have a better finish inside its cabin.
The New Renault Duster Will Have Major Mechanical Reworks
The new Duster will be underpinned by the new-age CMF-B LS(Common Module Family) platform. The LS here expands to ‘Low Specification’. This iteration of the CMF-B platform is intended to be used in developing markets like India. The new (third generation) Duster will also make a transition to petrol engines. The previous Duster used to come with a diesel engine, which would not be available in the new model.
The India-spec will likely use a 1.3-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (HR13DDT). This was developed in collaboration with Nissan. This engine will likely be available in two states of tune, producing 130 BHP/ 240 Nm and 150 BHP/ 250 Nm. It was available in India for a very short period on the previous-generation Duster and Nissan Kicks.
Renault will likely offer two transmission choices with the new Duster- a six-speed manual and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox (EDC – Efficient Dual Clutch). The automatic will have a wet clutch design.
As shown in the video above, the new SUV will come with 4WD tech and hardware. There will be terrain modes on offer as well- wheel drive lock, eco all-wheel drive and also sand, snow and auto, and Hill descent control. Reports also suggest that the India-spec could come with AWD instead of a proper 4×4 setup. This would be limited to the higher variants alone. The lower variants will feature Front Wheel Drive.
Duster Could Be Electrified
The new Duster’s architecture supports electrification. We can thus expect hybrid or all-electric versions to launch in the future. With the CAFE norms kicking in by 2027, the carmaker will be more or less forced to take the electrification route. More details of these are yet to surface.
Could Become A Lifeline For Renault!
When launched, the new Duster will go against the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder. It could even face competition from some variants of the Thar ROXX and Harrier as well. If priced right, the new Duster will help Renault regain its lost headspace in the market. The manufacturer’s market share has lately been dipping to under 1%. The 5-seater and 7-seater versions of the Duster could make this climb back.