Renault India recently launched the new Duster SUV at an introductory price of Rs 10.29 lakh (ex-showroom), with pre-bookings open online and at dealerships. However, even before the launch and pricing of its stronger hybrid version is announced, the model is already sold out for 2026, with the company confirming that bookings have now closed for deliveries scheduled for that year. Renault is yet to announce prices for the Duster Hybrid, saying details will be revealed later. Nevertheless, the entire 2026 allocation has already been booked, though the company has not disclosed the number of units or total bookings. Bookings for hybrid models are expected to reopen around Diwali 2026. The initial sales indicate strong demand for electrified powertrains, especially in urban markets, where hybrid variants account for 39% of duster bookings in metro cities.Power trainThe new Duster is based on the CMF-B platform and is offered with three engine options – first talking about the hybrid, the SUV is powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine paired with two electric motors paired with a 1.4kWh battery. The combined setup is rated at 162bhp and 172Nm of torque and is mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Fuel efficiency is likely to be over 25 kmpl (claimed). Pricing is expected to be in the range of Rs 19 lakh to Rs 23 lakh (ex-showroom). The other two engine options are a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 100 PS of power and 160 nm of torque mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. A 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol with 163 PS of power and 280 nm of torque is mated to a 6-speed DCT or a 6-speed manual.
Design In terms of design, Renault has introduced India-specific design changes to the new generation Duster while retaining the overall silhouette of the third generation global model. The India-spec SUV gets redesigned headlamps with eyebrow-shaped LED daytime running lights that also act as turn indicators. It features a revised grille with prominent duster badging, which replaces the Renault logo, along with a front bumper that uses a silver surround and pixel-style fog lamps.
From the side, the Duster features black cladding on the wheel arches and lower body, C-pillar-mounted rear door handles, and functional roof rails. At the rear, the triangular tail lamps are joined by an LED light bar not seen on the global version. Additional changes include a roof-mounted spoiler, textured license plate housing and black rear bumper with silver insert.Interior, features and safetyMoving inside, the Duster’s interior has been largely redesigned for the Indian market. The India-spec version features an all-new dashboard design with a dual-screen layout, soft-touch surfaces and revised trim elements. The cabin features silver accents and contrast green stitching, a dedicated button panel on the center console, slide-adjustable front armrest with storage and more. Features include a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless phone charger, dual-zone climate control, a powered tailgate, 6-way power and ventilated leather seats, 4 MB front lights, 4 MB seats. Push-button start/stop, multi-drive modes and more.Safety features include six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, 360-degree camera, electric parking brake, disc brakes on all four wheels and Level 2 ADAS features.
