KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- 2026 Renault Duster India launch scheduled for March 17; deliveries to begin from April
- Offered with 1.0L and 1.3L turbo-petrol engines; 1.8L strong-hybrid to join later in 2026
- Gets dual digital screens, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats and Level 2 ADAS
Renault India is set to launch the third-generation Renault Duster in India on March 17, 2026, marking the SUV's comeback after it was discontinued in 2022. Revealed earlier this year on January 26, the new Duster represents a critical product for Renault as it looks to regain momentum in the highly competitive midsize SUV segment. Dealerships have already received display units, with deliveries expected to commence from April.Read on to find out more details, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community, specifically curated for petrolheads like us to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.
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Renault Duster Returns To India: What It Offers
While the India-spec Renault Duster retains the global third-generation silhouette, it receives distinct visual updates tailored for the local market. In profile, the SUV gets black cladding, C-pillar-mounted rear door handles, roof rails, and up to 18-inch alloy wheels. Coming to the inside, Renault has significantly upgraded the cabin to match segment expectations. The dashboard features a dual-screen layout comprising a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster.
Soft-touch materials, green contrast stitching, and silver accents elevate the perceived quality while retaining physical buttons for key controls. Additional features include a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, wireless charger, powered tailgate, 6-way powered and ventilated front seats, sliding front armrest, and rear armrest with cup holders. On the safety front, the Duster comes equipped with six airbags as standard, along with a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, TPMS, electronic parking brake, four-wheel disc brakes, and Level 2 ADAS functions.
Powertrain Options: Turbo-Petrol Now, Strong Hybrid Later
The 2026 Duster will launch with two turbocharged petrol engines. The entry-level option is a 1.0-litre engine producing 100 hp, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Higher variants will get a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol unit delivering 163 hp and 280 Nm, available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. A major highlight is the 1.8-litre strong-hybrid powertrain, expected around Diwali 2026. This system combines a 1.8-litre petrol engine with two electric motors and a 1.4 kWh battery pack, delivering a combined output of 160 hp.
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Expected Pricing
The 2026 Renault Duster is expected to be priced between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom). Pre-bookings are currently open at Rs 21,000, with official pricing to be announced at launch. It will continue its rivalry with the Hyundai Creta, and other compact SUVs in the space.
Verdict
The return of the Renault Duster in its third-generation form is more than just a model update; it is a strategic relaunch for the brand in India. With modern styling, a significantly upgraded cabin, and the promise of a strong-hybrid powertrain, Renault is positioning the Duster as a serious contender once again. The new Duster could rekindle the nameplate's earlier success and re-establish Renault as a meaningful player in India's midsize SUV segment, only if it could price it competitively and, even better, could bring in the hybrid a bit earlier to cash in on the current hype.
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