Renault, the French Brand is a historic mobility brand and leader of electric vehicles in Europe but in the past few years it has seen a slowdown when it comes to India. Though the sales might not be that great, the brand is yet striving hard to come back stronger and hit the market strongest. The company is now counting on the next-generation Duster, particularly in the Indian market, to bring back its glory days.
In addition, Renault plans to introduce a seven-seat SUV based on the Duster. An early concept model called the Dacia Bigster made headlines a few years ago. Now, a test version of the upcoming three-row SUV has emerged. Recently, images of a hidden prototype have surfaced on the internet.
What’s different about the new Duster?
The Bigster and the recently unveiled Duster SUV will have a lot in common, and they will both ride on the same CMF-B platform, which is used in several global Renault-Nissan vehicles. The Bigster will be approximately 300 mm longer than the new Duster, which is 4.34 meters long, at 4.6 meters. Like the Alcazar from Hyundai, the wheelbase will also be marginally longer and the rear door will be larger than the Duster.
To begin with, the SUV's rear doors will be larger than the Duster's. Additionally, its wheelbase will be marginally longer. A similar front fascia with the Renault branding on the nose and the recognizable Y-shaped LED elements on either side will also borrow styling cues from the Duster.
The latest spy photos also show off a shark-fin antenna, five-spoke blacked-out alloy wheels, a flat roofline, and a rear spoiler mounted on the roof.
The Bigster and Duster will share many body panels and design cues. The Bigster will borrow the Duster's tough exterior and interior design elements, but more upscale materials and creature comforts will be included.
New Duster’s Powertrain and off-road gear
What we know is the most recent Duster has three engine options, two of which are electrified; although powertrain choices aren't confirmed, the Bigster is expected to keep those powertrains. Renault plans to provide a 1.2-liter turbo-petrol or a 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol hybrid. The former has two electric motors, an automatic gearbox, and a 1.2kWh battery that enables up to 80% of driving to be done entirely on electricity. The 48V starter motor is mated to the 1.2-liter engine, which produces 130 horsepower. Although some markets will also offer a 1.0-liter petrol-LPG option for the Duster, diesel is not currently available in any market.
Similar to Duster, its version with seven seats will be available with a 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain, depending on the market. Nevertheless, rather than being a true 4x4 vehicle with a low-range transfer case, it will have an electronic all-wheel drive system. Terrain modes like Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, off-road, and Eco will also be advantageous.
Duster and Bigster’s Launch in India and Rivals
In addition to Duster, a seven-seater SUV is reported to be coming to India. The seven-seater SUV will not go on sale until after Diwali 2025, even though that is when it is expected to make its India debut. Since "Big Duster" is an acronym, it could have the same name as its concept prototype, "Bigster." These two SUVs will also have Nissan versions, which are anticipated to go on sale following the introduction of the new Duster in India. Its competitors upon launch will include the Mahindra XUV700, Tata Safari, Hyundai Alcazar, and MG Hector Plus.