All New Renault Duster Spied Testing In India For The First Time: ADAS Confirmed (Video)
Renault is known to relaunch the Duster in India soon. Reinforcing this further, we now have the first prototype sightings of the upcoming SUV, and the same has given out details on what is to be expected. The mules were spotted on tests in Kerala. This might sound unusual as not many sightings are usually reported from this South Indian state, even though brands often conduct tests in places like Munnar. The Duster test mule is being tested extensively in Kerala. Various videos and images which surfaced online indicate it being driven across the state and over hundreds of kilometres.
Going by the sightings, the SUV seems to be in its final developmental stages. The design seems to be almost the same as the Dacia Bigster. It remains to be seen if the SUV will have both 5-seater and 7-seater iterations upon re-entry. The Bigster is, in fact, a 7-seater. Previous reports had indicated that Renault could launch the new Duster in both forms.
We remember seeing Black, unclear silhouettes of a 5 seater Duster and a ‘7 seater SUV’ that looks exactly like it, in one of Renault’s previous presentations. So both could be possible. Plus, it makes sense to expect, as the rivals offer both formats and earn decent monthly volumes as well.
Kia has the Seltos and Carens while Hyundai has the Creta and Alcazar. Buyers here are used to such choices. However, it is unclear if the model being tested was a 5 or 7-seater. Reports suggest that the 5-seater would come first, mostly in 2025. The 7-seater will likely join in 2026.
Renault Duster 2025: What Does The Proto Tell Us?
The prototype seen in the video is heavily camouflaged, making it difficult for people to decipher its design details. However, it evidently has that ‘Duster-ness’ to the design. It looks butch and fairly large. The lines and surfaces seem to stay true to those seen on the Bigster.
The muscular body panels, edgy rear end, and chunky wheel arches can be seen in the video. The alloy wheels, likely 17-inchers (seen in the final few seconds) on the mule are simple units. The production-spec could feature fancier ones. The mule also had a Lidar on top of it. It was functioning at the time of capturing the video, meaning the vehicle was undergoing calibration for its ADAS model. The production guise has thus been confirmed to get ADAS features.
New Duster Powertrain Possibilities
No confirmed powertrain details of the upcoming Duster are out yet. It will most likely be launched as a petrol-only model. The previous model used to have more engine choices. The global model, that is already on sale in Turkey gets duel fuel (petrol+ LPG), strong hybrid and mild hybrid powertrains. It is unlikely that all these would make it to the Indian model. We would most likely get the mild-hybrid petrol. Expected features are a 10.1-inch infotainment system and 7-inch digital instrument cluster and LED lights.
Renault’s Business Plans
The carmaker hasn’t been able to meet sales expectations with the Kwid, Kiger, and Triber, and desperately needs a winning product. The new Duster could bank on its predecessor’s popularity and get the ball rolling for the French giant, if placed right. It comes into a highly competitive segment, dominated by aggressively packed and priced models like the Creta and Seltos. Pricing is thus of key importance.