With the 2025 launch of its new Duster, Renault is preparing to electrify the SUV market in India and create a more competitive environment for midsize SUVs. The parent brand of the French automaker, Dacia, debuted the new Duster recently in Portugal. Sales of the vehicle will start in Europe early in 2019 before going on to other regions. Renault plans to introduce the new Duster into the Indian market in the second half of 2025.

The Bigster concept served as inspiration for the design of the new Duster, which is built on the CMF-B platform. The SUV promises a contemporary and strong appearance with its unique Y-shaped LED daytime running lights and taillights, strong fenders, and rough cladding.

The Y-shaped theme is carried inside the interior with a brand-new dashboard that has a 10.1-inch touchscreen facing the driver. The inside highlights a modern style with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 3-spoke steering wheel.

High-end services on the Duster include six-speaker Arkamys 3D sound system, wireless charging, wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and automated climate management. The SUV is notable for having Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology, which includes features like traffic sign recognition with speeding alert, automatic emergency braking, detection of vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycles, rear parking assistant, lane change warning and assist, and more.

Wireless charger for mobile

There are three engine options available for the Duster, two of which are electric. With its two electric motors, automatic gearbox, regenerative braking, and 1.2kWh battery, this 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol hybrid allows for up to 80% of city driving to be done on electricity. An additional engine choice is the 1.2-liter, three-cylinder, 130hp turbo-petrol with a 48V starting motor. However, there isn’t a diesel option.

Seats with dusters

Following in the wake of its predecessor, the new Duster comes with both 4×2 and 4×4 choices, with the latter available only with the 1.2-liter mild hybrid powertrain. The Duster doesn’t have a conventional 4×4 system, but it does include terrain settings including Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, off-road, and Eco, which make it adaptable to many driving situations. With hill-descent control for up to 30 kph, off-road skills are improved while relevant information is shown on the multimedia screen.

Duster rear

Anticipated for release in India in 2025, the new Duster is expected to compete in the competitive midsize SUV sector against well-known vehicles such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The SUV will provide Indian customers with an appealing and adaptable option in the SUV market with both 5-seat and 7-seat versions available. Follow along for updates on this thrilling addition to the Renault portfolio.