Renault bringing back the Duster after almost four years is not some nostalgic move. It is a necessity. I still remember driving the old Duster on broken state highways where bigger, more expensive SUVs just gave up. That car had grit. This new one? Different times. Different expectations. Same pressure.
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1. Bookings are open, clock is ticking
Pre-bookings for the new Renault Duster are now open at Rs 21,000. Launch is planned for March 2026.
Sounds simple. But it is not. This segment does not forgive delays or excuses. I once spoke to a Renault dealer during the brand’s quiet phase in India. He shrugged and said, customers ask about Duster, then walk to the Hyundai showroom next door. That still hurts Renault.
2. Three petrol engines, no diesel comeback
The new Duster comes only with petrol engines. Three options.
- The headline act is the 1.8-litre E-Tech 160 hybrid with two electric motors. 160 bhp, 172 Nm. On paper, very sorted. But Renault has already said this version comes only around festive season 2026. That wait matters.
- Then there is the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol. Same 160 bhp, but 280 Nm of torque. Manual or DCT. This engine feels like the heart of the range. Strong. Familiar. Safe bet.
- At the bottom sits the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol. 100 bhp. Manual only. Nothing exciting. But it will sell. City buyers love simplicity.
3. Interior finally looks like 2026
The old Duster’s cabin was tough but dated. Very. This time, Renault has fixed that. Dual screens, new steerage wheel, ambient lighting, Type-C ports, electronic parking brake with vehicle-preserve. Things buyers now anticipate without asking.
Higher trims add panoramic sunroof, twin-region weather manipulate, powered seats, powered tailgate, 360-diploma digicam and an Arkamys sound gadget. Six airbags and Level 2 ADAS too. I once spent half an hour explaining basic features to a customer sitting in an older Duster. He nodded politely, then said, my cousin’s Creta feels more modern. That conversation would be different today.
4. Price will decide its fate
Expected starting price is below Rs 11 lakh. If Renault manages this, the Duster becomes interesting again. Very interesting. Push it higher, and buyers will simply move on. No drama. No loyalty. I have seen it happen many times.
Also read : 2026 Renault Duster Coming with Three Engine Options
5. Rivals everywhere, cousin incoming
The new Renault Duster will fight Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra and several others. Heavyweights. There is also the Nissan Tekton coming soon. Same platform. Same idea. Slightly different face. Renault and Nissan are clearly planning a joint push against the Koreans.
End of the day, the new Duster has the ingredients. Design. Features. Engine choices. But Indian buyers judge harshly. One bad move and they move on. Fast. This comeback needs to work. No shortcuts.
