The Duster has been one of the most popular SUVs globally. First launched in 2009 under the Dacia subsidiary brand in the European market. Renault India has already discontinued the Duster nameplate; however, the second generation model is on sale in select international markets. The French brand has already started testing the 3rd generation Duster, which is scheduled to make its global debut sometime in 2024.
New Platform
The second generation Duster is based on the M0 platform, which also underpins the Captur and the Nissan Kicks in India. The third-generation model will be designed and developed on the Renault-Nissan alliance’s CMF-B modular platform, which currently underpins the Dacia Logan and the Sandero as well as the Dacia Jogger. This platform is compatible with multiple body styles and engine options including petrol and hybrid. Adding to it, the architecture also has an electric derivative called the CMF-B EV. In future, the Duster could also receive an electric derivative.
The new CMF-B platform will be heavily localised in our market. The platform will see several locally produced parts, which will allow the Renault-Nissan alliance to achieve competitive pricing for the future products in the country. The platform will also be used to develop a new 7-seater SUV from Renault and two new SUVs from Nissan.
2024 Renault Duster Styling
The new spy shots reveal that the new Duster will retain its proportions; however, the SUV will grow in size to create more space inside the cabin. Moreover, the styling elements will be inspired from the larger Bigster SUV concept which was unveiled in early 2021. In fact, the production version of the Bigster will also arrive in our market in 2024-25.
The front design of the new Duster will look similar to the Bigster, featuring horizontal headlamps, a narrow grille, and an angular bumper. The SUV will have square-shape wheel arches with strong cladding. The rear door handles are integrated into the door pillars. The SV will have Bigster-like Y-shaped lamps and the trunk lid.
Engine Options
If reports are to be believed, the next gen Duster could borrow engines from the Dacia Jogger and the Sandero. The engine options could include a 1.0L TCe turbo petrol engine producing 110hp & 200Nm, and a 1.0L Eco-G bi-fuel engine that produces 100hp and 170Nm. The SUV will also receive hybrid powertrain. The SUV could share the Captur E-Tech hybrid powertrain, which comprises a 1.3L Turbo engine and a 1.2kWh battery pack with a combined power of 140hp.
2024 Renault Duster India Launch
Renault has confirmed that it will launch two new SUVs based on the new CMF-B modular platform in India by 2025. The next-gen Duster will come first in 2024, while a new 7-seater SUV will be launched somtime in 2025. The new Duster will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, MG Astor, VW Taigun and the Skoda Kushaq.
