Compare the new Renault Duster with the old model design, performance, interiors, and reliability. Discover what’s changed, what’s improved, and whether the new Duster lives up to its legendary legacy.
✨ AI Overview
Renault Duster: Rugged Past, Sleek Future
Summary generated by AI · Reviewed by Gear Choice Team
The old Duster was celebrated for its simple, tough, and rugged design, excelling on rough Indian roads.
The new Duster boasts a sharper, sleeker, and more city-friendly look with modern features and powertrain options.
The editor expresses caution, fearing the new model's modernization might dilute its original rugged soul and charm.
Renault Duster The name says it all on Indian roads. Old Duster? Simple, tough, straightforward. New Duster? Sharper, sleeker, city-friendly. People are excited. I’m a bit cautious. Experience teaches you looks can be deceiving sometimes.
Design Rugged vs Modern
Old Duster’s look was plain wide stance, simple lines, built for rough roads. I remember a media drive near Jaipur in 2014. Other crossovers got stuck, Duster came out easily. That raw charm. Still fresh in my memory.
Photo : New vs old Duster exterior design.
New Duster? Slimmer headlights, sharper body, bigger touchscreen. Instagram-ready now. Road presence is there, but that old rugged soul feels slightly faded. And yes, people get impressed seeing the cabin for the first time. Sometimes a bit over-polished.
Engine and Drive
Old diesel engine? A workhorse. Torque-rich. Simple. Did its job. New Duster brings turbo petrol and hybrid options. On paper, everything looks perfect. More power, better mileage. But, remember 2020? A customer’s check engine light came on just 2 months in. Paper and road are different things.
Driving? Old Duster was raw, heavy, real feel. New Duster is lighter, easy for the city. Short trips are comfortable. But if you loved rugged toughness, this feels a little odd. Straight up.
Interior and Technology
Old Duster cabin? Basic. Durable. New Duster? Big touchscreen, digital meters, connected features. Looks good, but daily use will test it. In Chennai, one owner told me Touchscreen sometimes restarts on its own, kids in the back get irritated. Small things, but they matter.
Photo : Cabin comparison new vs old Duster.
Safety? Yes, better. Airbags, driver assist. But trust? Renault has to rebuild it. Past delays and inconsistent updates are still remembered.
Brand and Trust
Old Duster won loyal customers despite flaws. New Duster competes not just with the old model, but also with Renault’s past reputation. Building trust isn’t easy now. Even if the car is technically better.
Old Duster heart-driven. Simple, rugged, reliable. New Duster: mind-driven. Sleek, market-focused, modern. If you value tech and city comfort, the new Duster fits. If you miss raw toughness, the old Duster stays in memory.
Me? I’ll wait. First batches on the road, a few years in service, then I’ll decide. Because a Duster’s name isn’t proven on launch day it’s proven over time. Straight up.
Gaurav JhaGaurav Jha is a seasoned automotive journalist and digital media expert with a passion for new technology, electric vehicles, and unbiased product reviews. As the founder of GearChoice.in, he aims to empower readers with transparent, well-researched information about the latest cars, gadgets, and mobility trends.