Chennai / New Delhi: The name that practically taught India how to spell “SUV” is back. Renault has officially pulled the covers off the all-new, next-generation Duster, reinventing its most iconic model for India under its ambitious Renault International Game Plan 2027. And yes, the legend that once ruled potholes, highways and weekend hill trips is now smarter, more stylish and significantly more high-tech.
Since its global debut in 2010, Renault Duster has found nearly two million customers worldwide, and in India alone, it created a segment of its own when it launched in 2012. At a time when “SUV” was still a foreign concept for most Indian buyers, Duster showed that you don’t need a ladder frame or a fuel-guzzling engine to look adventurous. Over 2 lakh units sold in India later, Duster has achieved what most cars only dream of: becoming a proper automotive cult.
“In India, Renault Duster is far more than just a name – it is a true legend,” said Stéphane Deblaise, CEO, Renault India, while announcing its comeback. And for once, this is not just marketing poetry – even Uber drivers still respect the Duster.
India: The SUV Capital of the World (Almost)
India is now the world’s third-largest car market, and SUVs have completely taken over. In 2012, SUVs made up just 12% of sales. In 2025, that figure is almost 55%. Basically, India went from “Kitna deti hai?” to “Kitna ground clearance hai?” in a decade.
Renault sees India as a strategic growth hub and is investing heavily through its Chennai ecosystem, which now includes manufacturing, design and engineering. The new Duster will be made in India, at Renault’s Chennai plant, which has already produced over 3 million vehicles and 4.6 million engines and gearboxes.
Design: Still a Duster, Now in a Suit
The new Renault Duster grows up without growing old. It remains muscular and rugged, but now looks far more premium and contemporary.
At the front, the oversized grille proudly spells DUSTER (yes, the name replaces the diamond logo), flanked by full LED headlamps with Renault’s new global light signature. At the rear, connected LED tail-lamps and chrome accents give it a wider, stronger stance.
It rides on 17- or 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, stands 21.2 cm tall from the ground, and measures 4.35 metres in length with a generous 2.66m wheelbase. In simple terms: it still fits city parking but won’t cry on broken roads.
Renault calls it an “elegant adventurer” – which is basically what every Indian family SUV aspires to be.
Interior: From Jungle to Silicon Valley
Step inside and you’ll realise this is no longer the simple, rugged Duster of old. The cabin now feels like it borrowed inspiration from a premium tech lounge.
The highlight is Renault’s OpenR twin-screen setup:
- Up to 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
And here’s the big news: Google built-in. Yes, the new Duster is India’s first compact SUV with Google Maps, Google Assistant and Google Play Store natively integrated. You can literally say “Hey Google, take me to the nearest dhaba” and the car will obey without arguing.
It also gets 48-colour mood lighting, ventilated power seats, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control with air purifier, wireless charging, and even a cooled storage box. This is officially the most tech-loaded Duster in history.
Boot space stands at a healthy 518 litres, because Indian families travel with emotional baggage and physical luggage.
Powertrains: Petrol, Turbo & Full Hybrid
Renault is bringing three engine options:
- 1.0L Turbo Petrol (100 hp) – city-friendly and efficient
- 1.3L Turbo Petrol (160 hp) – for people who miss overtaking
- 1.8L Full Hybrid E-Tech (160 hp) – the headline act
The hybrid version can drive up to 80% of the time in electric mode in city conditions, delivers up to 40% better fuel efficiency, and offers a total driving range of nearly 1,000 km. In Indian terms, that’s Delhi to Jaipur and back without anxiety.
Safety: Finally, Full ADAS
New Duster comes with 17 ADAS features, including:
- Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go
- Lane keep assist
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind spot warning
- 360-degree camera with 3D view
- Driver drowsiness detection
Basically, this is the first Duster that will stop you from driving like an old Duster owner.
Colours & Launch
The new Duster will launch in six colours, including a striking new shade called Jade Mountain Green, inspired by Himalayan forests. Yes, finally a green SUV that doesn’t look like a government vehicle.
Sales begin in Spring 2026, with South Africa and Gulf markets following later.
The Comeback Nobody Asked For, But Everyone Wanted
The Renault Duster didn’t just return – it evolved. From being India’s original “go-anywhere SUV” to now becoming a connected, electrified, premium family machine, Duster has grown exactly the way its original customers have.
Once famous for rough roads and road trips, the new Duster is now equally comfortable navigating traffic jams, Google Maps and Spotify playlists.
In short, the Duster is no longer just ready for the jungle – it’s ready for the future. And this time, even your smartphone will approve.
