DUSTER – THE ICON IS BACK!

New Renault Duster Will Be Revealed on 26 January 2026 – Full Breakdown

The iconic Renault Duster is officially returning. Renault India has confirmed on its website that the brand-new Duster will be revealed on 26 January 2026. This is one of the most anticipated SUV comebacks in the Indian automotive market, especially since the Duster was responsible for shaping and popularizing the compact and mid-size SUV segment back in 2012.

For enthusiasts waiting for a rugged, capable, powerful, and modern SUV, the wait is finally over. The 2026 Renault Duster is expected to be almost identical to the new-gen Dacia Duster, which has already created a massive buzz internationally.

This post covers:

• Official Renault India announcement
• Design & platform details
• How it compares with the Dacia Duster
• Expected India features & engines
• Safety & ADAS
• India launch timeline
• Price expectations
• Why the Duster brand still matters

Let’s get started.

1. Official Announcement – Confirmed by Renault India

Renault India’s official Duster teaser page states:

“The New Renault Duster will be revealed on 26 January 2026.”

This confirms that the company is preparing a major comeback for one of its most loved SUVs.
While the page does not reveal detailed specs, it emphasizes the Duster’s legacy, global success, and return in a new avatar.

This is the first official confirmation—and one that fans were waiting for since Renault discontinued the earlier model.

2. Duster: A Legendary Name Returns

The Renault Duster originally launched in 2012 and quickly became:

• A pioneer in the compact SUV segment
• A benchmark for ride comfort
• A favorite of off-road enthusiasts
• One of Renault India’s best-selling models ever

The old Duster became a cult classic because of its:

• Tank-like build quality
• Real SUV capability
• Smooth suspension
• Potent turbo-petrol and diesel engines
• Amazing handling for its size

With SUVs dominating the Indian market today, the Duster’s comeback is perfectly timed.

3. New Renault Duster = New Dacia Duster

Here’s the key point:

The New 2026 Renault Duster is almost the same vehicle as the new-generation Dacia Duster.

Renault owns Dacia and sells the same product under different brand names depending on the market.

How similar are they?

✔ Same CMF-B global platform
✔ Same body design structure
✔ Same interior layout
✔ Same engines (global markets)
✔ Same features

What will be different?

• Renault signature grille
• Renault-style LED DRLs
• Revised bumper design
• Renault UI & infotainment changes
• India-specific feature distribution
• Possibly unique alloy designs
• Renault badging

Mechanically and structurally, the Duster and Renault Duster are identical.

4. Design Overview – Big, Bold & Rugged

The 2026 Duster has received a completely new design direction based on the “Robust & Outdoor” philosophy.

Expected Renault-specific changes will be minimal, but core design features include:

Exterior Highlights

• New Renault grille design
• C-shaped LED headlamps
• Chunky squared wheel arches
• Thick body cladding
• Muscular bonnet
• Y-pattern tail lights (will become Renault signature pattern in India)
• Raised stance with approx. 210–217 mm ground clearance
• Strong roof rails
• 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels

The new Duster looks more solid, modern, and premium while keeping its rugged DNA intact.

5. Interior – Complete Premium Upgrade

The cabin of the new Duster is a massive leap forward compared to the old model.

Expected Interior Features

• 10.1-inch floating touchscreen
• Wireless Android Auto + Apple CarPlay
• 7-inch full digital instrument cluster
• New Renault-design steering wheel
• Premium soft-touch materials
• Dual-tone interior theme for Indian version
• Wireless charger
• Automatic AC
• Ambient lighting
• Adjustable armrests
• Much improved seat quality
• More space thanks to CMF-B platform

The interior resembles modern European crossovers, making the Duster 2026 feel much more premium.

6. The CMF-B Global Platform

This is one of the biggest upgrades.

The new Duster switches to the CMF-B platform, which supports:

• Strong hybrid engines
• Turbo-petrol engines
• AWD capability
• Advanced safety structures
• ADAS (Level 2)

CMF-B also improves handling, NVH levels, and crash performance.

This platform is used in global Renault products like:

• Renault Arkana
• Renault Captur (European)
• Dacia Jogger
• Dacia Sandero

This upgrade alone makes the Duster far more modern and future-ready.

7. Expected Engine Options (India)

While Renault India hasn’t revealed powertrains yet, media reports strongly suggest the following:

1.2L TCe Turbo-Petrol (Mild Hybrid)

• Expected power: 120–130 PS
• 6-speed manual / CVT
• Efficient and powerful

1.3L TCe Turbo-Petrol (Possible for top variants)

• 150 PS
• Existing joint Renault-Nissan engine
• Could replace older turbo units

1.6L E-Tech Strong Hybrid (High possibility)

• 140 HP combined output
• EV-like city driving
• Excellent mileage
• Same hybrid tech as Renault Arkana

AWD 4×4 Powertrain

The Duster is globally known for its AWD capability, and reports say India may get:

✔ 4×4 All-Wheel Drive
✔ Multi-terrain drive modes
✔ Snow / Mud / Sand / Auto / Off-road modes

This would make Duster the only true off-roader in its price range.

8. ADAS Features (Expected)

The Duster 2026 is expected to get:

• Lane keep assist
• Blind spot detection
• Adaptive cruise control
• Front collision warning
• Traffic sign recognition
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Automatic emergency braking

Renault is already offering ADAS on its global vehicles, so the India model should include it—especially due to competition from Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and MG Astor.

9. Safety Features

The new Duster is built for global markets where safety is heavily regulated.

Expected safety features:

• 6 airbags
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Hill start assist
• Hill descent control (AWD variants)
• ISOFIX
• 360-degree camera
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Level-2 ADAS safety support

CMF-B’s improved crash protection means the Duster could target 5-star global ratings.

10. Comparison: Renault Duster 2026 vs Dacia Duster 2025

Conclusion: Structurally and mechanically identical, but tuned for different markets.

11. India Launch Timeline

• Official reveal: 26 January 2026
• Production-ready India model: Mid-2026
• India launch: June–September 2026 (expected)
• Bookings: Likely to open closer to launch

12. Expected Price in India

Renault is likely to price it aggressively:

Expected Price Range:

₹11.5 lakh – ₹18.5 lakh (ex-showroom)

Pricing will depend on:

• Hybrid technology
• AWD availability
• Imported or locally-made components

If priced correctly, it can directly take on:

• Hyundai Creta
• Kia Seltos
• Maruti Grand Vitara
• Toyota Hyryder
• Skoda Kushaq
• VW Taigun
• MG Astor

13. Why the New Duster Can Become a Segment King Again

✔ True SUV DNA

Unlike soft-roaders, the Duster has real off-road ability.

✔ Rugged styling + modern tech

Keeps its adventurous character while adding premium features.

✔ Strong hybrid option

Could deliver excellent mileage and lower running costs.

✔ AWD advantage

Very few SUVs in this price range offer real AWD capability.

✔ Massive brand nostalgia

Customers loved the old Duster—and loyalty still exists.

✔ Perfect timing for comeback

SUV demand is at an all-time high in India.

Final Thoughts

The New Renault Duster 2026 is not just another SUV launch—it is the return of a brand that shaped an entire segment in India. With modern hybrid engines, the CMF-B platform, rugged SUV DNA, and Renault’s signature design, the new Duster has everything it needs to reclaim its throne.

The official reveal on 26 January 2026 will finally show us the India-spec design and features, but based on the Dacia Duster, it’s clear that Renault is preparing a segment-dominating SUV.