French automaker, Renault has recently discontinued the popular Duster SUV from the Indian market. However, the second-generation Duster is on sale in overseas market. The company will also introduce the next-gen Duster SUV, which will come with new design, feature loaded cabin and efficient powertrain options. French media reports that the all-new Renault Duster project is already in the development phase in Europe, where it is marketed under the Dacia brand.
It is reported that the all-new Renault Duster will be ready by the end of 2023, and is expected to be launched in 2024. The new model will be a reduced version of the Bigster SUV, which was first showcased in 2021 in the concept avatar. The production ready 7-seater Bigster SUV is expected to be launched in Brazil in 2023-24.
The all-new Renault Duster mid-sized SUV will be based on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance’s CMF-B platform, which will also underpin the Bigster SUV. This modular platform is versatile enough to accommodate different body styles as well as powertrain options including hybrid and electric. The report claims that the third-gen Duster will be the best ever made and will be the first with hybrid powertrain.
The new model will share the design with the Bigster concept and will offer a high price-to-feature ratio and several new age tech. The new Duster will come with a hybrid powertrain with a 4×4 drivetrain. The petrol engine will power the front wheels and an electric motor to be placed to the rear axle to provide traction to wheels on difficult terrains. The new model could get the 1.2L turbo petrol with a 48V hybrid system that offers a combined power output of 130bhp. The company could also offer the 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine.
All-New Renault Duster India Launch Details
The new-gen Renault Duster for India is also in the works. The India-spec model is expected to be based on a new CMF-B LS platform, which is basically a lower spec version of the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF-B platform. The French automaker is using the VW Group’s strategy, which has launched several products based on heavily localised MQB AO IN.
The Renault CMF-B LS version will be a more affordable and has been made for conditions and requirements in developing markets. The platform will be optimised by adding & removing tech, and will be compliant with global safety. Similar to the global model, the India-spec model is likely to be offered with a hybrid powertrain which will be compliant with emission norms. The new model will also retain the previous Duster’s off-road ability. The Duster 4×4 is one of the cheapest 4WD SUVs on sale.
