Renault Duster

The interior ditches some of the older, quirky design choices for a much cleaner and more user-friendly layout.

Cabin Layout and Quality

• The mid-spec Techno trim replaces the bright green inserts of the top model with a more mature brown and black colour theme.
• The buttons and switches feel sturdy.
• But the overall material quality leans more towards durability than absolute luxury.

Seating Comfort

Front Row

• The front seats use tough fabric upholstery and provide excellent side support.
• They have manual adjustments, so it's easy to find a comfortable driving position.
• A central armrest with hidden storage adds to the comfort during long highway trips.

Second Row

• The rear bench can seat three adults side-by-side comfortably.
• Legroom and headroom are generous for tall passengers.
• Rear AC vents help cool the back of the cabin quickly during harsh summers.

Features That Improve Daily Use

• A sharp 10.1-inch touchscreen system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• A wireless phone charger and a large panoramic sunroof

Renault has priced the Duster’s variants competitively to target buyers who want a large SUV on a strict budget.

With three different engines in the latest Duster, the mileage varies from one to another. But the ARAI-certified mileage for all three stays between the 17-19 kmpl mark. Also, the car runs on a 50-litre fuel tank.

Observed Fuel Efficiency During Testing

If you drive with a light foot and rely on the strong mid-range torque, it remains quite efficient. However, pushing it hard to complete quick overtakes will cause the fuel efficiency to drop noticeably.

With its five-star Bharat NCAP rating, Renault has equipped the Duster with a very capable safety net.

Passive Safety and Crash Protection

• The SUV provides six airbags as standard across the range.
• The body structure feels tough and rigid over bad terrain.
• It includes ISOFIX mounts to attach child seats in the back securely.
• Seatbelt reminders are active for all passengers to ensure everyone buckles up.

Active Safety and Stability Systems

• The car comes with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) paired with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
• Electronic Stability Control helps keep the vehicle firmly planted if you take a corner too quickly.
• A rear-view camera is included to help with parking, though it has some niggles.

Seshan observes,

“The image quality feels average at best, and the viewing angle seems a bit odd, often making me rely more on the ORVMs while parking.”

Renault has made sure the new Duster gets the modern equipment buyers expect at this price point. The cabin focuses on delivering convenience without unnecessary complexities.

Infotainment and Interface

• The dashboard features a bright 10.1-inch screen for all media controls.
• The Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wireless connectivity allows you to use your phone's navigation and music apps without carrying cables.
• The driver gets a clear 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that displays speed, fuel economy, and trip data.

Cabin Convenience and Practical Features

• Creature comforts also include dual-zone auto climate control, wireless phone charging and a panoramic sunroof.
• The dual-zone air conditioning lets the driver and front passenger set different temperatures.
• There are plenty of storage spaces around the centre console.

The Duster is built to carry families and their luggage with ease.

• It offers a massive 518 litres of boot space with all the seats up.
• This large cargo area can comfortably fit three to four large suitcases for long road trips.
• The loading lip is relatively flat.
• You can fold the rear seats flat to unlock even more space.

The Renault Duster is famous for its well-sorted suspension, and this new model continues that legacy. It absorbs terrible roads more efficiently than arguably almost anything else in its segment.

City Handling

Driving the Duster through city traffic feels very relaxing.

• The light steering wheel allows you to park the large SUV in tight spots effortlessly.
• The suspension is highly tuned to soak up deep potholes and sharp speed breakers.
• The 212 mm ground clearance means you can drive effortlessly over broken roads.

Highway Stability

On the highway, the Duster feels heavy and planted and can confidently hit triple-digit speeds.

• The wide body and long wheelbase help the car maintain a straight line against strong crosswinds.
• It feels secure when you take long, sweeping corners at high speeds as well.
• The brakes provide a very predictable bite, helping you slow down safely.

There are several trims of the Renault Duster in the Indian market right now.

The Essentials That You Don’t Get

• An automatic gearbox for the 1.0-litre engine
• Ventilated front seats on the mid-spec trims
• A high-resolution rear parking camera

Deciding which Duster to buy depends heavily on what you want from your SUV.

Best on a Tight Budget: Evolution 1.0L Turbo

This trim suits value-conscious buyers well. It adds a critical 10.1-inch infotainment screen and wireless smartphone mirroring over the bare-bones base trim while remaining highly affordable.

Best Value for Modern Tech: Techno+ 1.3L Turbo

This variant hits the absolute sweet spot. It upgrades you to the much punchier 161 bhp engine, a sleek 10.25-inch digital cockpit, and sharp 18-inch alloys without pushing into luxury pricing territory.

Best for Safety & Luxury: Iconic 1.3L Turbo

The ultimate choice for those who want zero compromises. It introduces premium comforts like ventilated seats alongside essential safety upgrades, including Level-2 ADAS active driver assistance and a 360-degree camera.

Seshan makes his recommendation clear,

“For me, the pick of the range is the Techno variant.”