The Renault Duster has made a spectacular comeback in the Indian auto market with a third-generation avatar. Duster, first launched in 2012, was the first car to enter the midsize SUV segment in India. Hyundai Creta & Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Renault, which was once perceived as the king of mid-size SUVs, now aims to regain the lost territory.
The new Duster has retained its famous muscular, "boxy" silhouette but adds a futuristic edge.
- India-Centric Styling: Unlike the global model, our version gets a unique connected LED light bar at the rear and a revised front grille featuring bold "DUSTER" lettering instead of the traditional logo.
- Rugged Stance: With a massive 212mm ground clearance and 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, it’s built for both city flyovers and weekend off-roading.
- Signature Colors: Keep an eye out for the exclusive "Mountain Jade Green," a shade inspired by the Himalayan forests.
Cabin Features
Renault has moved away from the basic interiors of the past. The 2026 model features a "fighter-jet inspired" dashboard that feels premium and tech-forward.
- Dual Screens: You get a 10.1-inch floating touchscreen with Google built in, meaning native Google Maps and Assistant, and a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display.
- Luxury Touches: For the first time, the Duster comes with an electric panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and a 6-speaker Arkamys sound system.
- Practicality: It boasts a segment-leading 518-litre boot, which expands significantly if you fold the rear seats—perfect for those long family road trips.
Engine & Performance
Renault is giving Indian buyers plenty of choice under the hood:
- The Enthusiast’s Choice (1.3L Turbo): Delivering a punchy 163 PS and 280 Nm, paired with a smooth 6-speed DCT (automatic).
- The City Commuter (1.0L Turbo): A budget-friendly 100 PS engine mated to a 6-speed manual, ideal for daily runs.
- The Future-Ready Hybrid (1.8L Strong Hybrid): Launching around Diwali 2026, this version allows for up to 80% electric driving in the city, promising incredible fuel efficiency.
Safety First
Safety is no longer an afterthought. The new Duster comes equipped with 6 Airbags as standard, a 360-degree camera, and a Level 2 ADAS suite (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) featuring lane-keep assist and emergency braking.
Conclusion
The 2026 Renault Duster is positioning itself as a strong rival to the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. While official prices will be revealed in mid-March 2026, they are expected to start around ₹10.50 Lakh to ₹11 Lakh (ex-showroom).
According to hooter.in, the 2026 Renault Duster is a phenomenal value-for-money proposition. If you want a car that feels "unbreakable" like the old Duster but want the luxury features of a 2026 SUV, this car will fit your budget perfectly. It offers a unique character that "soft" crossovers simply can’t match.