Renault Duster 2026Renault India on Monday unveiled the all-new Renault Duster, marking the return of a nameplate that played a defining role in creating the mid-size SUV segment in the country. The new Duster is the first product to be introduced in India under Renault Group’s International Game Plan and signals the start of a renewed product cycle for the French carmaker in the market.
The model was unveiled at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai in an event attended by over 15,000 people, including members of the ‘Gang of Dusters’ owner community.
The new-generation Duster is built on the Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP), which has been engineered for Indian conditions and validated for extreme climates and durability.
Renault said close to 90 per cent of the vehicle has been developed specifically for India, underlining the localisation focus of the programme.
“As part of the Renault International Game Plan 2027, we are making India a key pillar of our growth outside Europe. Today, we have the means to fully support our ambitions in India and deliver products truly adapted to this market. The new Renault Duster is the first step in Renault’s renewal in India,” said Fabrice Cambolive, Chief Growth Officer, Renault Group and CEO, Renault brand.
Hybrid debut
The new Duster will be offered with multiple powertrain options, including petrol turbo engines and a strong hybrid system. The flagship Turbo TCe 160 engine produces 163 PS of power and 280 Nm of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with wet clutch. A more accessible Turbo TCe 100 petrol variant will also be available with a six-speed manual transmission. Renault is also introducing the Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 powertrain, based on a 1.8-litre engine with a 1.4 kWh battery, which the company claims enables up to 80 per cent electric-mode driving in city conditions. Deliveries of the hybrid version will begin during Diwali 2026.
“The new Renault Group Modular Platform brings advanced hybrid technology and top-tier safety engineering. The new Renault Duster is the start of a renewed product cycle and an exciting trajectory for Renault in India,” said Stéphane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group India.
Design and dimensions
The new Duster retains its rugged SUV identity, with a 212 mm ground clearance, approach and departure angles of 26.9 degrees and 34.7 degrees respectively, and a muscular exterior design. It features full LED lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels, a trapezoidal grille and a distinctive horizontal LED light bar at the rear. In terms of dimensions, the SUV measures 4,346 mm in length, 1,815 mm in width, 1,703 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,657 mm. An exclusive “Mountain Jade Green” colour inspired by Himalayan forests will also be offered.
Inside, the cabin adopts a driver-centric layout with a fighter-jet-inspired cockpit design. Key features include a 10.1-inch OpenR Link touchscreen infotainment system with Google built-in, a 10.25-inch digital driver display, connected car features, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, electric tailgate and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Launch timeline
The new Duster will be offered with a seven-year or 150,000 km warranty under Renault’s ‘Renault Forever’ programme, aimed at strengthening long-term ownership confidence.
Customers can pre-book the SUV through an ‘R Pass’ priced at ₹21,000, which offers priority delivery and introductory benefits. Prices will be announced in mid-March 2026, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in April 2026. Hybrid deliveries will follow later in the festive season.
With the revival of the Duster, Renault is signalling a renewed push in India, backed by local manufacturing in Chennai, higher localisation, new technology platforms and a broader product pipeline aligned with its global strategy.
