The name Renault Duster instantly pulls out an old memory from my head. Back in 2014 during a Pune dealership visit a sales guy pulled me aside after a test drive and said “Sir drive the Duster. The engine has real guts everything else you adjust later.” Straight talk. Since then the Duster became a symbol of a raw no nonsense SUV for me.
Now with the new gen Renault Duster just 60 days away from hitting India the excitement is real. But honestly there is also a tiny doubt tapping on the shoulder because Renault has been in a quiet mode in India for the last few years.
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1. A Fresh New Design But That Classic Duster DNA Is Still There
If I put it bluntly your first reaction after seeing the new Duster is usually “Damn this one looks big” And the rugged stance squared off body feel and European sharpness yes that vibe is definitely coming.
I remember a moment from 2017 when I drove a friend’s 110PS Duster on the highway. The steering was so honest that even a small rumble strip would whisper straight into your hands. I genuinely feel Renault will modernize the design but they will not throw away that SUV attitude that made Duster iconic. If they do the name loses its soul.
2. Turbo Petrol Engine But Real World Performance I Am Keeping My Expectations Balanced
The company will obviously say the new turbo petrol is powerful and efficient and all that. But I remember their earlier 1.3 turbo engines in Nissan Renault cars. They looked great on paper but mileage would suddenly drop like mobile data in a bad network zone out of nowhere. That is why I am cautiously hopeful. If Renault tunes the engine properly for India great. Otherwise brochure numbers may look impressive but real driving needs that tricky smooth yet punchy balance that not every brand gets right. The keyword Renault Duster turbo petrol will only make sense once we see how the SUV behaves in messy traffic sudden overtakes and slow crawling conditions.
3. Loaded Features Yes But Software Needs To Behave
These days every car maker throws in features big touchscreen wireless functions ADAS and so on. But ADAS is exactly where software starts acting moody. I once had a mid range EV where the lane assist would sometimes pull the car like it had its own opinion. That moment felt like “Hey relax”
My worry is simple If Renault does not tune the ADAS properly for India’s chaos on the roads people may face strange alerts random braking or unnecessary warnings. Also older Renault infotainment systems have frozen on me before so fingers crossed.
Extra Things Everyone Is Thinking About
Pricing Renault usually plays the value game. If the Duster lands below the Hyundai Creta it could shake the segment.
Build Quality The old Duster felt like a mini tank. Whether the new one will feel that solid is a big question.
AWD If an AWD model returns off road lovers will be very happy.
No Fancy Conclusion Just My Real Thought
The Duster is not just a car. It is a feel. A personality. When the new one arrives I just hope Renault does not sacrifice that old school honest SUV handling and that strong mechanical feel. Any company can fill a cabin with features. Duster became special because of the way it behaved on real roads. And yes if Renault improves after sales this time the whole story changes.