Renault has finally unveiled the third-gen SUV, Duster, after a series of leak a day before the global premiere. The new Duster will first launch in Europe in 2024, and then in other international markets. But the bigger news is the new Duster will make its way to the Indian Market in 2025.
The new third-generation Duster is built on the CMF-B platform, shared with various Dacia, Renault, and Nissan models. The new Renault Duster maintains its robust, off-road appearance, drawing inspiration from the Dacia Bigster concept. With a length of 4.3 Meters, it slightly surpasses its predecessor, boasting a more aggressive look.
The front design resembles newer Dacia models sold internationally, but the Renault-branded Duster will showcase some difference in design upon its launch next year. The SUV will have a 7-seater version as well which will be revealed sometime later. The new Duster has a 2657 MM wheelbase which is slightly shorter than the outgoing version.
From the outside, the new Duster features Y-shaped LED DRLs integrate with the chrome elements on the grille, accompanied by vertical air vents in the bumper and a large lower grille. The profile introduces blacked-out elements below the mirrors, new 18-inch alloy wheels for top variants, while the lower variants, and a distinctive kink in the cladding below the rear doors. The rear showcases sharp, V-shaped tail-lights, and the new Duster has a boot space of 472 Liters.
Inside, the Duster boasts a dual-tone dashboard with light and dark grey theme. The center console tilts towards the driver with higher variants with two digital screens – 7-inch Digital Instrument Cluster, and 10.1-inch Infotainment System. The center AC vents house controls for the HVAC system, and lower down, there are 12V power sockets and USB outlets. The top variants Duster comes with wireless charging, automatic climate control, and 6 Speakers Arkamy’s 3D Sound System. Notably, it has ADAS with features such as automatic emergency braking, various detection features, traffic sign recognition, rear parking assistance, lane change warning, and more.
In Engine Options, it comes with 3 options – 1.6 L 4 Cylinder Petrol Hybrid that is paired to two electric motors and mated to an automatic gearbox. The engine has regenerative braking and 1.2 kWh battery, and you can drive solely on the electric power for about 80% of the time before you’ve to charge it.
The new Duster retains 4×2 and 4×4 drivetype, specifically with the 1.2 L mild-hybrid powertrain. Although lacking a conventional 4×4 setup, it gets terrain modes such as Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, off-road, and Eco. Dacia highlights the Duster 4×4’s 217 MM ground clearance, 31-degree approach angle, 36-degree departure angle, and hill-descent control up to 30 KMPH. Off-road details, including inclination and power distribution, are displayed on the multimedia screen.
Upon the new Duster launch in India, it’ll compete with the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Honda Elevate, MG Astor, and Citroen C3 Aircross.