New Renault Duster

Introduction

• The 2026 Renault Duster will be revealed for the Indian market on 26 January, 2026.
• This SUV was globally launched in March 2025.
• Ahead of its arrival in the Indian market, we already have an idea of how the production version will be.

Exterior

• The design language, styling, proportions, and even features are same as the Dacia's global model currently on sale.
• However, unlike the Dacia, the Renault Duster sports a 'Renault' badge on the front grille.
• Otherwise, styling elements, headlamps, cladding, silhouette, and tail lamps are identical.
• Overall, the Duster's chunky look is toned down, but retains the solid and sturdy SUV character.
• A distinctive design with an outdoorsy look is further accentuated by the skid plates, black applique, and skirting.

Interior

• Like the exterior, the interior of the 2026 Duster is like the Dacia, except for the steering wheel position for a RHD model.
• The new Duster is a big departure from the earlier models in India, but the quality of materials and colour choices don't seem worlds apart.
• But there's new equipment with a large floating infotainment system.
• The latter is a touchscreen but also tilted 10 degrees towards the driver for ergonomic convenience.
• Then, the new-generation Duster also features a seven-inch customisable instrument cluster.
• It even has a centre console that houses a wireless smartphone charger, easily accessible to both the front occupants.
• Globally, Renault has brought in driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to this latest iteration of the Duster.
• It's unsure if Renault India will also get in automatic braking and emergency stop signal.
• But it would great to have these features including traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and rear parking assist.

Powertrain

• As for the engine specifications, the international-spec model offers three engine options.
• This includes a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol unit, 1.2-litre petrol-hybrid, and a 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid.
• It would be interesting to see which of these are considered for India.
• However, we surely will get the choice of manual and automatic transmission options.

Other Upcoming Renault Models are the Arkana, Boreal, Bigster, Kardian, Kwid EV and 4 Savane 4X4 EV