When Renault showcased the new Duster at the 2023 Auto Expo, it was not just another global SUV, modified and sold in India. In fact, Renault made it very clear that India is one of its priority countries and that driving conditions, consumer expectations, and calculations for value are vastly different here than in Europe. Available for Rs 11.49 lakh to Rs 19.49 lakh (ex-showroom), the new Duster will offer a range of upgrades tailored specifically for Indian users that will not be available on the international products.
Constructed on the CMF-B platform, the new Duster will offer enhanced rigidity, improved use of space, and a more rugged appearance. In addition to 212mm of ground clearance, sophisticated driver assistance systems calibrated for Indian traffic conditions, and practicality features not available in the rest of the segment, Renault has put together an ambitious strategy to win back its place among mid-size SUVs in India, where the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos are leading the pack.
Panoramic Sunroof Designed for Indian Cabin Use
The new Renault Duster has introduced a panoramic electric sunroof; a feature which Indian consumers now expect to have as part of the purchase experience in a vehicle like this one; however European models do not come with this feature at all.
The new dual- pane glass sunroof allows both front & rear passengers to enjoy the benefits of an open, well-lit cabin; allowing rear passengers to experience the same cabin opening as their counterparts in the front. Additionally, the glass roof has UV protection & noise insulation. This will be particularly helpful when traveling in India due to the combination of heat and loud roadways.
It is not a cosmetic upgrade for families or long-distance travelers; better light distribution will lead to less cabin fatigue (during long journeys) and less cooling lost due to insulation.
Ventilated, Powered Front Seats Built for Indian Weather
The front-seat comfort level will continue to distinguish SUVs purchased in India from those purchased in Europe. Renault Corporation has made a strong response by providing six-way, electrically-adjustable front seats, with ventilated, durable leatherette, in the new Duster.
Compared to European vehicles, these changes are significant and include the introduction of cooling for the front-seats when comparison is made to fabric-covered front-seats on most of the SUVs that are currently sold in those areas. Seat ventilation is considered as a significant driving comfort in the humid climate that you may find in many urban cities throughout India (e.g., Mumbai; Chennai; Calcutta, etc.).
Seating position, that allows all automobile operators to adjust the position of their entire body (front passenger, front seat and back seat), while providing adequate body support by use of powered mechanisms, will greatly improve the ergonomics of rear drivers when driving for long periods of time on highways or commuting.
Class-Leading 700-Litre Boot for Real Family Use
The fact that the Duster SUV has been designed to enhance boot space means that it was clearly designed with understanding of Indian user’s needs. In India where family and friends travel together on weekends and during festivals, luggage is a major factor when making purchasing decisions. The use of powered tailgates with handsfree operation also make daily situations like grocery shopping or stopping at a hotel easier.
The extra storage compartments beneath the floor of the boot also means that there is margin for comfort for rear-seat passengers as well as providing extra utility for the vehicle.
Level-2 ADAS Reworked for Indian Traffic Behaviour
Advanced driver assistance systems are now mandatory in this category of vehicles, yet Renault has chosen a more nuanced approach. The new Duster has 17 Level 2 ADAS features, tailored to Indian traffic conditions.
Adaptive cruise control, lane/road keeping assist, emergency automatic braking and traffic jam assist have all been calibrated for the type of erratic/poor lane avoidance behavior we see here, sudden stops or lane changes and inconsistent speeds of traffic on Indian roads — problems for which global calibrations don't always provide solutions.
European Dusters generally come with a very basic ADAS suite, but Renault's India-specific calibration illustrates that Renault understands the vast number of variations in driving standards and is also aware of the need to consider varying thresholds and response logic for this local driving environment.
Higher Ground Clearance and Tougher Setup for Broken Roads
With 212 mm of ground clearance, the New Duster stands tallest among all competitors in its class! This is not just for show, but with the reinforced suspension geometry on the CMF-B Platform, it will have increased capability of handling potholes, bumpy highways, flooded roads and pothole speed bumps much more confidently.
Renault continues to focus on their traditional mechanical toughness in order to maintain the level of reputation that they have achieved in India, adding to the level of confidence that drivers will have when driving on highways and in semi-urban and rural areas with inconsistent road patterns.
New Renault Duster Specifications
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Powertrain Strategy Reflects Regulatory Reality
Renault is abandoning diesel technology altogether. The new line of cars in India are powered by a 1.0L turbocharged gasoline engine paired with either a manual or CVT transmission, while the top trim levels will feature a 1.3L TCe gasoline engine producing 160 hp with an automatic dual-clutch (DCT) transmission.
A strong hybrid variant, which will utilize a GDi engine with a 14V 1.8L gasoline engine and a 1.4 kWh battery and 8-speed DHT transmission, is expected to be available in the future (since it is being developed to meet the new BS VI emissions standards). This hybrid engine will be geared toward buyers who are concerned about fuel efficiency.
These changes are due to both continued government regulation and changing buyer behaviour, especially in the urban market.
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Interior Tech and Air Quality Focus
Inside, the Duster features a 10.1-inch infotainment system running Google-based OpenR Link software, paired with a 10.25-inch digital driver display. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, along with connected car features via My Renault telematics.
A dual-zone climate control system with PM2.5 air filtration addresses pollution concerns in cities like Delhi, while 48-colour ambient lighting adds a subtle premium touch without overwhelming the cabin.
Safety as a Standard Expectation
All variants are expected to come equipped with six airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, ISOFIX mounts, and a 360-degree camera. Renault is also targeting a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, aligning with evolving safety expectations in the segment.
Competitive Pricing in a Crowded Segment
By starting at an attractive price point of Rs 11.49 lacs for the base variant, the new Duster is priced lower than its mid- and higher-trim competitors’ vehicles with similar features – but typically at a much greater price than what is offered by the Duster price point. Ventilated seats, advance driver assistance systems, a panoramic sunroof, and considerably more than 2000 cubic feet of cargo space, when bundled together at this price point, could well put pressure on many of the leading brands already in the market.
According to reports, the new Duster will begin taking orders with a Rs 25,000 deposit, and vehicle deliveries are scheduled to commence in February 2026.
