New Renault Duster 2026 live launch and latest updates: Price, features, colours and variants

Reporting live from the launch event in Chennai, the stage is set for the return of the Renault Duster. We will be keeping you up to date with the quickest updates from ground zero today. The launch event is slated to begin at 6:30 PM IST. Stay tuned!

Instrumentation on global-spec models is fully digital, with a 7-inch display replacing traditional analogue dials. Renault says the layout is designed to prioritise readability during both on-road and off-road driving.

The third-generation Duster, sold internationally, adopts a more functional interior design with a clear focus on usability. Renault has paired this approach with a large 10.1-inch central touchscreen supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

On the international version of the Duster, the length stands at approximately 4,345 mm, and the wheelbase reportedly measures around 2,658 mm, indicating a larger footprint than the previous model. We expect them to be carried over to the India-spec SUV as well.

The upcoming Renault Duster has even completed its first Ladakh trip during the testing phase. It completed high-altitude testing, reaching Khardung La at 18,379 feet.

According to Renault, the Duster has already been tested globally, covering more than 1 million kilometres across three continents under some of the toughest conditions. The company stated that these tests ranged from –23 degrees Celsius to 55 degrees Celsius.

The new Duster will slot into the highly competitive midsize SUV segment, taking on established rivals from Hyundai, Kia, Maruti, and others.

No, Renault will not be selling a diesel engine with the new Duster. The previous version of the Duster used to come with a diesel engine but it was discontinued because of the emission norms

The 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine will be the same one that was on the Duster before it got discontinued. It puts out 156 hp and 254 Nm. It came with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic transmission.

The 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine is expected to be shared with the Kiger. In the Kiger, the engine puts out 100 bhp and up to 160 Nm. However, because the Duster is a bigger car, Renault might bump up the power to 120 bhp.

As of now, Renault has not confirmed a hybrid powertrain as of now. But in the global market, they do sell a hybrid engine. It is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors. The gearbox on duty is an e-CVT automatic transmission.

The new Duster is expected to be sold with a set of turbo petrol engines. There can be a 1.0-litre turbo petrol and a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine on offer.

While there is no confirmation, we are hoping that the new Duster starts at around ₹10 lakh ex-showroom.

The new Duster is reported to use the CMF-B architecture, which should improve chassis dynamics and safety over the older model’s platform. The new platform was also designed with the keeping hybrid powertrains in mind. The CMF-B platform is used by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.

Production of the earlier Duster ended largely because of tightening emission rules and a drop in sales, which made it hard for Renault to keep updating the older model.

For many buyers, the Duster name still carries strong recall, especially among those who owned or aspired to the original model. This would be enough for some people to buy the new Duster once again. However, since the Duster got discontinued, the competition has increased significantly. It would be interesting to see how the market unfolds.

With aggressive pricing from rivals, Renault’s pricing approach today will play a big role in how the new Duster is received. India is a very price-sensitive market, so Renault would have to play very intelligently here.

A successful Duster could help Renault improve showroom footfalls and dealer confidence across key Indian markets. The new Duster will help in driving new customers to the dealerships. They would want to see the new SUV in person, take a test drive, and if they like it, they might end up putting in a booking as well.

The Duster has traditionally been known for its tough suspension setup and stability at speed, qualities buyers will be watching closely this time as well.

Internationally, the new-generation Duster has already been revealed under the Dacia brand, giving a preview of what India can expect. However, we are expecting that the company will make some changes that will be specific to the Indian market.

SUVs now account for a major share of passenger vehicle sales in India, making the Duster’s return strategically important. There is a good reason for it. The high ground clearance helps in tackling the bad roads of our country. SUVs also provide a high seating position, giving a better view of what is ahead and positioning the car better.

Renault discontinued the Duster back in 2022. It was on sale in India for a decade and was the first monocoque SUV.

Here's a full review of the Kia Seltos, which was recently heavily updated for the Indian market. It will be one of the biggest rivals for the upcoming Renault Duster.

Renault also sells the Triber in India. The MPV was recently updated, and it is the most affordable 7-seater vehicle in the market.

Renault’s India volumes have been largely driven by the Kwid, underlining the need for a strong, higher-value SUV.