New Renault Duster makes worldwide debut, Set to make grand return to India
Renault’s sister brand, Dacia, has officially unveiled the highly anticipated 2025 Renault Duster in Portugal, marking its global debut.
Renault’s sister brand, Dacia, has officially unveiled the highly anticipated 2025 Renault Duster in Portugal, marking its global debut. The third-generation Duster is slated to go on sale in Europe early next year before gradually rolling out in other markets. Excitingly, Renault has confirmed the new Duster’s arrival in India during the second half of 2025, aiming to compete with popular midsize SUVs in the country.
Platform and Design
The new Duster is built on the CMF-B modular platform, shared with various models from Dacia, Renault, and Nissan. With a robust and rugged appearance, the SUV retains its off-road charm while incorporating design cues from the Dacia Bigster concept. Measuring 4.34 meters in length, it is slightly longer than its predecessor, featuring a distinctive front with slim Y-shaped LED Daytime Running Lamps and a flattened bull-bar inspired lower grille. The seven-seat variant is also in the pipeline, boasting a 2,657mm wheelbase.
Interior Highlights
Inside, the Duster boasts a double-layer dashboard in light and dark grey shades. Higher-end variants will feature a 7-inch digital driver information screen and a 10.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment. Practical elements include an angled center console, multiple HVAC controls, a variety of power outlets, and a gear lever inspired by Renault’s international lineup. Top-tier models will offer wireless charging, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, and an Arkamys 3D sound system with six speakers. Notably, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) will be included, featuring automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, and more.
Powertrain Options
The Duster will offer three engine options, with two electrified choices. The lineup includes a 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol hybrid with two electric motors, a 130hp 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo-petrol with a 48V starter motor, and a 1.0-liter petrol-LPG variant for specific markets. Regenerative braking and a 1.2kWh battery enable electric driving for up to 80% of city use.
Off-Road Capabilities
True to its heritage, the new Duster will come with both 4×2 and 4×4 options, exclusively available with the 1.2-liter mild-hybrid powertrain. While lacking a full 4×4 setup, it compensates with terrain modes such as Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, off-road, and Eco. Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate its 217mm ground clearance, 31-degree approach angle, 36-degree departure angle, and hill-descent control for speeds up to 30kph.
Following the success of the first-gen Duster in India from 2012 to 2022, the new model is set to return in the second half of 2025. With an investment of around Rs 4,000 crore by the Renault-Nissan group, the Duster aims to compete with popular midsize SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. A seven-seat version and a Nissan derivative are also planned for the Indian market, promising an exciting revival for the Renault Duster in the subcontinent.
Ms Kalinga