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Renault Revives Duster in India With New Trims, Limited Launch Edition and First-Drive Praise

The rebooted SUV anchors Renault's India-focused RGMP push, signaling a wider pipeline of locally built hybrids and EVs by 2030.

Overview

  • The 2026 Duster launches from Rs 10.49 lakh (ex-showroom) across five trims — Authentic, Evolution, Techno, Techno+ and Iconic.
  • A limited Iconic Launch Edition is offered at a reported Rs 16.79 lakh and capped at 2,026 units, adding Level-2 ADAS, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats and a Google-integrated 10.1-inch infotainment system.
  • Powertrain choices at launch include a 1.0-litre turbo petrol (~110 PS) and a 1.3-litre turbo petrol (163 PS, 280 Nm), with a strong-hybrid under final testing and high early interest reported for the hybrid.
  • Early reviews highlight sorted ride-and-handling and robust ground clearance (212 mm), while noting trade-offs such as the absence of 4x4/AWD, some cabin material compromises and the use of a DCT on the 1.3 turbo.
  • Built on Renault’s RGMP platform for India, the Duster leads a localised product roadmap that includes a seven-seat sibling next fiscal year and a new sub-4-metre SUV, with four India-designed models confirmed by 2030.