The New Renault Duster is Coming! Here's What You Need to Know

Big news, folks! The right-hand drive version of the 2025 Renault Duster just debuted in South Africa, and it’s likely headed to India soon. This third-gen SUV is set to shake things up with a fresh design, solid features, and a shift to petrol engines. The Indian-spec Duster was even spotted being tested recently, and guess what? It’s packing ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). We could see it hit our roads by late 2025.

Turbocharged Petrol Power – The Big Shift

Renault is moving away from diesel engines, and the new Duster will feature a turbo-petrol setup. Expect a 1.3-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (HR13DDT) co-developed with Nissan and even used by Mercedes-Benz globally. This engine is no stranger to India—it powered earlier versions of the Duster and Nissan Kicks during the post-BS6 phase.

The engine will offer two power outputs:

130 BHP / 240 Nm

150 BHP / 250 Nm

Manual or Automatic? You Choose!

Two gearbox options will be on offer:

A six-speed manual for those who love control.

A six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic, designed with a wet clutch for better durability—perfect for Indian conditions where dry-clutch systems often struggle.

Will India Get 4WD?

The South African model comes loaded with 4WD tech, including terrain modes (sand, snow, auto, etc.) and Hill Descent Control. However, for India, Renault might offer an AWD option instead, likely as an add-on, while most variants will stick to front-wheel drive.

Packed Interiors and Modern Features

The new Duster is set to bring some serious upgrades to the cabin, including:

A panoramic sunroof.

Wireless charging.

A driver-oriented touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Leatherette ventilated seats.

Dual-zone climate control.

Powered driver’s seat.

ADAS for enhanced safety.

Compared to the previous-gen Duster, which had a rather plain interior, this one promises a more premium experience.

A New Platform for India

The third-gen Duster will ride on the CMF-B LS platform, designed for markets like India. This same platform will also underpin other Renault and Nissan models in the future. While the architecture supports hybrid tech, an all-electric version seems unlikely for now. By 2027, however, Renault may have to hybridize the Duster due to stricter fuel efficiency norms.

A Make-or-Break Launch for Renault

The Duster’s return is crucial for Renault in India. After the first-gen Duster’s success, the brand skipped the second-gen model here. Now, this third-gen Duster will compete with heavyweights like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Toyota Hyryder. It might even rival larger SUVs like the Mahindra Scorpio-N, XUV700, Tata Harrier, and Safari, depending on its pricing.

Renault might also introduce a seven-seater version based on the Dacia Bigster, which could arrive in 2026.

Nissan's Version in the Pipeline

Just like before, Nissan might launch a badge-engineered version of the Duster, possibly bringing back the Terrano in both five- and seven-seater formats. Both the Renault and Nissan versions will be manufactured at the Renault-Nissan facility in Chennai.

Why It Matters

Renault really needs the new Duster to succeed. Its current lineup—Kwid, Kiger, and Triber—isn’t setting the market on fire, and the company’s market share has dropped below 1%. If the Duster delivers, it could bring Renault back into the spotlight and even reshape the compact SUV segment in India.