Renault Duster: How India-spec Model Differs from International Model?

Renault Duster has made a comeback to the Indian market. The third generation model of the Duster has been on sale in quite a few international markets from 2024 onwards. Interestingly, the India-spec Duster is different from its international counterpart in many ways. 

“The Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP) underpinning the Duster is 90% specific to India. So that's why we call Duster as made in India and made for India. The design is done from a clean sheet of paper. The car is taller, it is richer, and it is more feature-packed.” said Dr Vikraman V, Chief of Engineering & Design, Renault India, in a conversation with Acko Drive. 

Here’s a detailed analysis of how the India-spec Duster differs from its namesake on sale in international markets.

2026 Renault Duster: Differences in design

There are plenty of changes in terms of design for both the versions of the SUV in order to give the India-spec Renault Duster a distinct appeal. For starters, the front fascia looks very different with the India-spec model offering the “DUSTER” branding on the grille. On the contrary, the model on sale in markets like Mauritius and South Africa gets “RENAULT” on the the black grille.

The headlights retain their angular overall shape, but the internal detailing has been revised for the India-spec model. The Y-shaped LED DRLs seen on the international model have been replaced by slimmer, eyebrow-style DRLs for the local market. Renault has also reworked the main headlamp design. While the silver plastic element on the front bumper continues, it appears chunkier and more cohesively integrated on the global-spec Duster.

For the Indian market, Renault has introduced triple air intakes at the top and repositioned the fog lamps towards the outer edges. The lower air dam also features a revised grille design, with vertically oriented air intakes that appear more angular and are framed by black plastic housings. In profile, the overall silhouette remains largely unchanged, but the plastic trim on the front doors has been replaced by Renault-branded gills, while a new vertical slit element has been added to the D-pillars. 

The SUV continues to ride on 18-inch alloy wheels, though the India-spec version gets a blacked-out wheel design. At the rear, the taillamps retain their triangular outline but now come with a smoked finish and refreshed internal detailing. A new full-width LED light bar spans the tailgate, complemented by a redesigned number plate recess and a reshaped rear bumper to complete the updates. In terms of dimensions, the India-spec model is largely similar to the international Duster. The former is 3 mm taller and offers 3 mm of additional ground clearance.

2026 Renault Duster: Differences in Interiors & Features

The Renault Duster sold in South Africa, features a grey, understated interior palette, while the India-spec version adopts a more vibrant theme with contrasting yellow stitching on the steering wheel, seats, armrest, dashboard, and door pads. One of the key design updates for the Indian model is a more driver-focused dashboard and centre console layout. Although it continues to offer physical HVAC controls similar to the global version, Renault has revised the design of the front air vents for India. The design and positioning of the gear selector and wireless charging pad, however, remain unchanged.

In terms of features, the India-spec Renault Duster is loaded with amenities such as a free-standing 10.1-inch infotainment system, a 10-25-inch digital instrument console, a panoramic sunroof, an Arkamys audio system, power-adjustable ventilated seats, and an electric tailgate.

Also READ: Renault Duster Old vs New: Differences Explained

2026 Renault Duster: Differences in Powertrain

Internationally, the Duster is available with a wide range of powertrains depending on the market. The most popular of those is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder hybrid on sale in Australia, Mauritius and South Africa. Instead, the India-spec model comes with 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol paired with a strong hybrid setup. This powertrain comes with two electric motors and a larger 1.4 kWh battery and Renault claims this unit can offer up to 1000 km range on a full tank. 

While the Duster’s 1.3-litre turbo engine is offered in markets such as Australia and South Africa, the India-spec version is more potent, delivering 161 bhp and 280 Nm of peak torque. At the same time, the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine available on entry-level variants in India is largely absent from most international line-ups.However, the India-spec unit missed out on an all-wheel drive setup offered internationally.