Renault’s popular Duster SUV is set to return to India, with the all-new model recently spotted for the first time on Indian roads nearly a year after its global debut. Scheduled for launch in the second half of 2025, the new Duster is expected to bring robust competition to popular midsize SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota Hyryder.
Renault will kick off its latest expansion in India with the Duster as the first in a series of four SUVs built on the advanced CMF-B platform, a modular platform developed by Renault’s alliance with Nissan, designed specifically for global markets with custom adaptations for India.
Platform and Design Details for India
The new Duster, along with three other upcoming Renault and Nissan SUVs, will use the CMF-B platform, which will be heavily localized for India to help achieve a competitive price point. This localization aims to make the SUVs not only affordable but also export-ready, as Renault-Nissan plans to ship these models to multiple international markets.
Renault has also hinted that the Indian version of the Duster will feature subtle design changes, differentiating it from the model sold abroad.
For instance, the India-bound Duster will feature a prominent Renault logo on the front grille instead of the Renault lettering seen on overseas models. Meanwhile, Nissan’s version, which is yet to be revealed, will adopt unique L-shaped connected LED daytime running lights and a light bar spanning the front, adding distinct Nissan styling elements.
Seven-Seater Variants on the Horizon
Renault has ambitious plans to introduce seven-seat versions of these SUVs, starting with the Renault Bigster, a larger SUV unveiled globally that shares the CMF-B platform. These three-row models will target the likes of Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari, and Mahindra XUV700. The seven-seater models will likely feature a longer wheelbase and unique styling cues, but they are expected to share powertrains with the five-seat models.
Petrol-Only Powertrain Line-up
The new Renault Duster and its counterparts will be powered solely by petrol engines, marking a departure from the K9K diesel engine that powered the previous Duster generation in India. The new line-up will likely feature the 1.3-liter HR13 turbo-petrol engine, which produces 156 hp, as seen in the previous-generation Nissan Kicks and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan.
Lower variants may offer a smaller 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine, as well as a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine for the entry-level options. These petrol-only offerings reflect a broader trend in India’s automotive market, as manufacturers move away from diesel engines due to regulatory shifts and evolving emissions standards.
Launch Timeline and Market Positioning
Renault and Nissan have confirmed a phased rollout of their upcoming SUVs in India. First, they will release the standard five-seater versions of the Duster and Nissan’s counterpart, followed shortly by the seven-seater variants. With an expected launch timeline beginning in late 2025, the new Duster and its stablemates will position Renault and Nissan to make a strong return to India’s fiercely competitive midsize SUV market.
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