New Renault DusterRenault India on Tuesday said the new-generation Duster has completed more than 1 million kilometres of testing across three continents, as the French carmaker prepares to reintroduce the SUV in the Indian market.
The upcoming Duster was tested at temperatures ranging from –23 degrees Celsius to 55 degrees Celsius and driven across a mix of public roads, proving grounds, and extreme terrain to validate durability, performance, and safety, the company said.
As part of the programme, the SUV completed high-altitude testing in Leh-Ladakh, including a run to Khardung La at 18,379 feet, one of the world’s highest motorable passes. Renault said the tests were aimed at assessing performance in low-oxygen conditions and extreme cold.
The vehicle also underwent specialised trials in dust tunnels, water-wading zones, sub-zero environments, steep inclines and high ambient temperatures, in addition to extensive city driving. Pan-India testing included government-certified facilities such as NATRAX, ARAI, GARC and ICAT to evaluate performance on rough roads, speed breakers and in congested urban traffic.
Renault said global tuning exercises were carried out across multiple markets, including Brazil, Romania, France, China, and the Czech Republic, to fine-tune ride and handling characteristics for different driving conditions.
Stephane Deblaise, Chief Executive Officer, Renault Group India, said the extensive testing programme was intended to ensure the new Duster is fully prepared for Indian road and climate conditions. He added that the company had taken the SUV to some of the most demanding terrains globally to validate its durability and performance.
The new Duster is positioned as a more refined yet rugged iteration of the earlier model, with Renault claiming improved stability, handling and rough-road capability. The SUV is scheduled to be officially unveiled on January 26, 2026.
