The Renault Duster will be making a comeback in the Indian market on Republic Day 2026, the company has announced, about four years after the last model was phased out. The original Duster was a pathbreaker and back in 2012 spawned the now booming compact SUV segment that accounts for nearly a quarter of India’s passenger four-wheeler market.
It had proven to be a tough and frugal vehicle and endeared itself to its owners, particularly with its bulletproof K9K diesel engine in various states of tune and excellent ride. Over the decade that it was on sale, it had been given multiple updates but, by 2022, it was looking old, which it was.
The new Duster is also going to be the first product to be launched under the brand’s International Game Plan 2027 in India. The car is a key pillar company’s India centric transformation strategy ‘renault. rethink.’ the company has said.
Stephane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group India, said: “Renault Duster is more than just a name — it’s a true legend. A symbol of adventure, reliability and innovation, its comeback shows our commitment to the Indian market and our desire to offer vehicles that meet the needs of our customers. New Renault Duster will rely on its iconic heritage while adopting a modern design, advanced technology and enhanced performance.”
Unlike the earlier model, the new Duster is likely to be available only in petrol (about 152hp, 250Nm, 209mm ground clearance) and mild hybrid four-wheel drive (about 129hp, 230Nm, 217mm ground clearance) if it remains similar to models sold elsewhere. An entry model could also possibly be offered with one of the engines that is now used in the Renault Kiger.
With close to 1.8 million customers globally and more than 200,000 owners in India, the Duster enjoys a strong following and remains one of the most successful SUVs in Renault’s global portfolio and has been sold under various brands like Renault and Dacia.
Prices of the Duster in India are likely to start somewhere around the top end of the smaller Kiger and it will be interesting to see how Renault will price it in this supercompetitive segment with buyers being as price-sensitive as they are.
