India’s Most-Awaited SUV won’t be launching this year as the carmaker wants time with its testing. It’ll be launching next year.

Renault is gearing up for a robust product strategy in India, aiming to rejuvenate its portfolio and capture a larger share of the competitive market. The French automaker, which currently offers the Renault Kwid, Kiger, and Triber in India, is focusing on significant updates and new launches across its lineup. Here’s a comprehensive look at what’s coming.

Facelifts for Renault Kiger and Triber in 2024

Renault will roll out major facelifts for its popular Kiger SUV and Triber MPV later this year. According to Renault India MD and CEO Venkatram Mamillapalle, these updates will feature sharper exterior styling inspired by the latest Renault models overseas. The Kiger’s refreshed design will be a departure from its current Kwid-like aesthetics, while the Triber will retain its versatile MPV silhouette with modernized elements.

The interiors of both models are set to receive enhancements, including lighter shades and soft-touch materials on the dashboard, aligning with Renault’s global standards. The updates, however, will be cosmetic, as the Kiger will continue with the 1.0-litre naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines, and the Triber will retain its 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit. These facelifts aim to address the declining monthly sales figures of the Kiger and Triber, which have struggled to maintain momentum in the Indian market.

Renault Duster to Return in 2026

One of the most anticipated launches is the return of the Renault Duster. Initially planned for 2025, the launch has now been pushed to 2026. The third-generation Duster, which debuted globally last year, will mark the revival of the iconic SUV in India after a four-year hiatus. Production is set to commence by September 2025, with the launch expected in early 2026.

The new Duster will be built at Renault-Nissan’s Chennai plant and will eventually expand into a four-model lineup, including the three-row Bigster SUV. Additionally, Nissan derivatives of the Duster and Bigster will also be manufactured at the same facility, catering to both Indian and international markets.

Renault’s Vision for India

With these updates and new launches, Renault is aiming to solidify its position in India. The introduction of facelifts and next-generation models reflects Renault’s commitment to staying relevant in the dynamic automotive market. The revival of the Duster, coupled with its Bigster variant, signals a strategic push into the growing SUV segment.

As Renault revamps its portfolio, the company’s focus on styling, feature enhancements, and market-specific updates could play a pivotal role in its resurgence. These efforts also underline Renault’s intent to leverage its Chennai plant for both domestic sales and exports, further strengthening its global footprint.