New-Gen Renault Duster India Launch Confirmed On March 17

The new Renault Duster has been confirmed for launch in India on March 17, 2026. The new-gen Duster for India made its debut on January 26 amidst much fanfare, and is an extremely crucial product for the automaker. The Renault Duster for India has been completely reworked for the Indian market over the version sold overseas, and brings turbo petrol engines along with a strong-hybrid petrol for the first time. There is no diesel on offer.

New Powertrain

Powering the 2026 Renault Duster will be the 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine from the Kiger, tuned for 99 bhp, while the higher trims will get the 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine with 161 bhp on offer. These engines will be available right away from launch. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual on both, while the bigger turbo motor will get a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox option as well.

Renault has also confirmed that a 1.8-litre strong-hybrid petrol engine will join the lineup around Diwali this year. This will be the largest displacement engine in its segment, and will also pack a 1.4 kWh (280-volt) battery, which will power an electric motor churning out 48 bhp, along with a 19 bhp hybrid start generator. The hybrid engine will produce a combined output of 158 bhp.

All-New Exterior

Visually, the new Renault Duster looks butch, rugged, and enthusiastic, retaining the ethos of the original model. The styling is quite on point with an upright nose, while the stand out bits include the ‘Duster’ lettering on the grille, along with the eyebrow-styled LED DELs, and new pixel-shaped fog lamps.

The SUV comes with plenty of body cladding on the side, while the door handles are integrated into the C-pillar. The Duster rides on 18-inch alloy wheels on the top variant, while the ground clearance is an impressive 212 mm. The rear gets connected lights, a roof spoiler, and silver cladding on the bumper. Underpinning the SUV is the R-GMP (Renault Group Modular) platform. 

Tech-Focused Interior 

The cabin has seen a complete overhaul on the upcoming Renault Duster. The dashboard integrates a 10.25-inch digital instrument console and a 10.1-inch infotainment system. It also gets soft-touch materials, contrast stitching, piano-black finished surfaces, and silver accents across the interior. The seats are upholstered in leatherette and the front seats get electric adjustability and ventilation. Other key features include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, dual-zone climate control, and an electric tailgate.

On the feature front, the new Renault Duster will come with six airbags, ABS with EBD, a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, TPMS, an electronic parking brake, disc brakes on all wheels, and ADAS.

The Renault Duster kicked off the compact SUV segment over a decade ago, a space which has proven to be just the right-sized for the Indian market. The automaker returns to this segment, which is now hotly contested with rivals comprising the Hyundai Creta, Tata Sierra, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, MG Astor, Honda Elevate, and more. Pricing will be crucial for the new Duster’s success.