Renault India has unveiled the new Renault Duster, marking the return of one of the most recognisable SUV nameplates in the Indian market. The model that helped define the mid-size SUV segment makes a comeback with a renewed focus on design, performance, technology, safety, and ownership experience, while retaining its rugged character.
The unveiling took place at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai in a large-scale industry event attended by more than 15,000 enthusiasts, including members of the Gang of Dusters community. The new Duster is the first product introduced under Renault Group’s International Game Plan in India, signalling a renewed phase of targeted investments and product expansion.
Speaking at the launch, Fabrice Cambolive, Chief Growth Officer, Renault Group and CEO of the Renault brand, said India has emerged as a key pillar of Renault’s growth strategy outside Europe. He highlighted the company’s integrated ecosystem in Chennai, encompassing design, engineering, manufacturing, and local operations, positioning India as a major hub within Renault’s global network.
The new Renault Duster has been developed specifically for India, with nearly 90% localised content. It is built on the Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP), engineered for extreme conditions and five-star safety standards, while supporting multiple powertrain options, including advanced hybrid technology.
The SUV is offered with a range of petrol and hybrid powertrains. The Turbo TCe 160 engine delivers 163 PS of power and 280 Nm of torque, while the Turbo TCe 100 caters to customers seeking efficiency and accessibility. The debut of the Hybrid E-Tech 160 combines a 1.8-litre engine with a 1.4 kWh battery, offering high efficiency with up to 80% electric driving in city conditions. Transmission options include a six-speed dual-clutch automatic with wet clutch for the Turbo TCe 160 and a six-speed manual gearbox for enhanced driver control. Both setups are tuned for Indian driving conditions.
Stéphane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group India, said the new Duster marks the beginning of a renewed product cycle in India, supported by advanced hybrid technology, enhanced safety engineering, and an improved ownership experience through the Renault Forever programme.
The new Duster features a bold, muscular exterior that builds on its iconic identity while adopting a modern SUV stance. Distinctive design elements include a prominent grille, full LED lighting, yellow-accented branding, strong character lines, and diamond-cut 18-inch alloy wheels. With 212 mm ground clearance and best-in-segment approach and departure angles, the vehicle is engineered for demanding terrain.
Inside, the cabin adopts a driver-centric layout inspired by aviation design. Premium materials, sculpted seating with signature stitching, a panoramic sunroof, and refined finishes create a functional yet sophisticated interior. The cockpit integrates advanced technology through a large multimedia display and a fully digital driver information screen.
At the heart of the digital experience is the OpenR Link multimedia system with Google built-in, offering navigation, voice assistance, streaming services, and access to over 100 apps without smartphone pairing. The system supports personalised profiles, allowing drivers to save preferences for driving modes, ADAS features, and vehicle settings.
Comfort features include ventilated power seats, dual-zone climate control, air quality monitoring, electric parking brake with auto-hold, and a powered tailgate. Multi-sense drive modes allow drivers to tailor vehicle behaviour to their preferences.
The new Renault Duster is offered with a warranty of up to seven years or 150,000 km under the Renault Forever programme, reinforcing long-term ownership confidence. Manufactured at Renault’s Oragadam facility near Chennai, the company continues to support customers through an extensive sales and service network across India.
 Renault India Private Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Renault SAS, France. The company manufactures vehicles in its Oragadam facility near Chennai, which has an annual capacity of 480,000 units. Renault India’s network includes more than 350 sales locations and over 450 service touchpoints, including 250+ Workshop-on-Wheels units, ensuring accessible support and service nationwide.
