Renault signals India reset with new-generation Duster launch under global strategy
ADVERTISEMENT
Renault’s iconic SUV returns as the first product reveal under its international game plan 2027, positioning India as a key growth market outside Europe.
Return of a defining nameplate
Renault India has unveiled the new-generation Duster, marking the return of a nameplate that once played a pivotal role in shaping India’s mid-size SUV segment. The model is the first product reveal in the country under Renault Group’s International Game Plan 2027, which places India at the centre of the company’s expansion strategy beyond Europe.
The latest Duster has been developed with a strong localisation focus, with nearly 90% of its components tailored specifically for Indian market requirements.
Platform and localisation strategy
The SUV is built on the Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP), which the company said has been engineered to meet five-star safety standards and validated for extreme climatic and terrain conditions. Renault highlighted that the platform’s flexibility allows it to support multiple powertrain options and advanced connectivity features.
“India is a key pillar of our growth outside Europe, supported by a strong local ecosystem spanning design, engineering and manufacturing,” said Fabrice Cambolive, Chief Growth Officer of Renault Group and CEO of the Renault brand.
Expanded powertrain portfolio
The new Duster will be offered with a range of petrol and hybrid powertrains. These include the Turbo TCe 160 and Turbo TCe 100 petrol engines, along with the strong hybrid E-Tech 160 system, which makes its debut in India. The hybrid setup combines a 1.8-litre petrol engine with a 1.4 kWh battery and is aimed at delivering higher fuel efficiency, particularly in urban driving conditions.
January 2026
Netflix, which has been in India for a decade, has successfully struck a balance between high-class premium content and pricing that attracts a range of customers. Find out how the U.S. streaming giant evolved in India, plus an exclusive interview with CEO Ted Sarandos. Also read about the Best Investments for 2026, and how rising growth and easing inflation will come in handy for finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman as she prepares Budget 2026.
Transmission options include a six-speed manual and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic, depending on the variant.
Technology and feature upgrades
Alongside mechanical updates, the Duster introduces new digital and connectivity features, including an in-car multimedia system with built-in Google services, as well as a suite of connected technologies and driver-assistance features aimed at improving safety and ease of use.
Stéphane Deblaise, CEO of Renault Group India, described the launch as the start of a renewed product cycle. “The new Duster combines advanced hybrid technology with enhanced safety engineering and marks the beginning of Renault’s next phase in India,” he said.
Launch timeline and warranty
Renault said the new Duster will be offered with an extended warranty of up to seven years under its ‘Forever’ programme. While pricing is expected to be announced in mid-March, customer deliveries are scheduled to begin in April 2026. The hybrid variant will follow later in the year.