Renault India has officially confirmed the return of one of its most iconic SUVs, the Renault Duster, marking a major moment for the brand in the Indian market. The company has announced that the new-generation Renault Duster will make its India debut on January 26, 2026, a date that coincides with India’s Republic Day. This strategic timing underlines Renault’s intention to relaunch the Duster not just as another SUV, but as an emotional comeback that reconnects with Indian buyers who once admired the vehicle’s rugged appeal and dependable nature.
First launched in India in 2012, the Renault Duster played a transformative role in popularising the monocoque SUV segment. At a time when the market was dominated by bulky body-on-frame SUVs or premium sedans, the Duster offered a unique blend of car-like comfort, tough road presence and genuine off-road ability. Over the years, increasing competition and evolving emission norms led to its discontinuation, leaving behind a loyal fan base. With the new-generation model, Renault is aiming to revive that legacy while aligning the SUV with modern expectations.
New-Gen Renault Duster Teaser
The teaser video released by Renault India focuses heavily on nostalgia rather than revealing the vehicle outright. The short clip opens with a child playing with toy cars before noticing a scale model of the first-generation Duster. This subtle visual immediately brings back memories of the original SUV that once ruled Indian roads.
The teaser then transitions to shots of the older Duster driving confidently through rough terrain, reinforcing the adventurous spirit that defined the model. Renault also showcases vehicles bearing the “GOD” badge, which stands for “Gangs of Duster,” highlighting the strong owner community that grew around the SUV over the years. The teaser ends on a dramatic note with the new-generation Duster partially covered in red cloth, offering brief glimpses of its LED DRLs and rear lighting while flashing the message, “The Icon Is Back.”
Also Read This : Delhi Fuel Rule Changed: Big Update as Petrol & Diesel Vehicles
This emotion-driven strategy is reminiscent of Tata Motors’ approach with the Sierra revival, where nostalgia was used as a powerful tool to reignite interest in a discontinued but much-loved nameplate. By following a similar playbook, Renault is clearly betting on emotional recall as much as product strength to rebuild its presence in India.
Globally, the new-generation Renault Duster is already on sale under the Dacia brand, and the India-spec model is expected to closely mirror the international version. Spy shots of test mules undergoing trials in India suggest that the SUV will feature a completely new design while retaining the rugged DNA that made it popular. The upcoming Duster is expected to sport Y-shaped LED headlights, V-shaped LED tail lamps, bold wheel arch cladding and a boxy, upright stance that gives it a strong road presence. Design elements such as roof rails, a shark-fin antenna, a sculpted bonnet and a bull-bar inspired grille further enhance its SUV character, while a slanted windshield adds a modern touch.
For More Information Visit : Renault India
Inside the cabin, the new Renault Duster is expected to mark a significant step up from the outgoing model. Recent sightings hint at an all-black interior theme with contrast stitching, giving the SUV a more premium and sporty feel. Renault is likely to equip the Duster with a large touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control and a 360-degree camera. Features such as a powered tailgate and over-the-air updates are also expected, bringing the Duster in line with current segment standards. On the safety front, the SUV is likely to offer six airbags, electronic stability control and advanced driver assistance features, addressing one of the key expectations of modern Indian buyers.
In terms of powertrains, the new-generation Renault Duster will benefit from Renault’s global engine lineup. Internationally, the SUV is available with a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system, producing around 128 hp, as well as a 1.6-litre strong-hybrid petrol setup delivering close to 138 hp. A 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine, which has already been spotted on Indian test vehicles, is expected to be a key offering. Importantly, Renault is also preparing to reintroduce 4×4 capability, a feature that once set the Duster apart from its rivals and is still rare in the mid-size SUV segment.
The new Renault Duster will compete in the highly competitive 4.3 to 4.5-metre SUV category, facing rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder and the upcoming Tata Sierra. Renault is expected to price the Duster aggressively to regain market share, positioning it as a value-packed alternative with genuine SUV credentials. With a nostalgia-led teaser, modern design, improved features and the promise of hybrid technology and 4×4 capability, Renault appears confident that the Duster can once again make a strong impact and rebuild the brand’s presence in India.
