The French automaker, Renault is currently selling 3 entry-level cars including the Triber, Kiger and the Kwid hatchback in the Indian market. The company won’t have a new locally developed product in our market for the next couple of years. However, Renault will continue to upgrade the existing line-up to stay relevant in the country. The brand is planning to launch multiple new models from 2025 onwards including the new Renault Duster, a new 7-seater SUV and an all-new entry-level electric vehicle.
New Renault Duster – Launch In 2025
The all-new Duster has recently made its global debut under the Dacia nameplate. The SUV will be sold under Renault nameplate in countries where Dacia is not present. The new model is based on a new platform, an all-new design and a new set of powertrains. The 3rd generation Duster SUV is most likely to make India debut sometime in late 2024; however, it will go on sale in our market by late 2025. The new Renault Duster will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate and the MG Astor.
Specifications – New Platform, Hybrid Engine
The new generation Duster is built on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF-B modular platform, which underpins a wide range of Renault models. This architecture is versatile enough to accommodate different body styles and engine options including ICE and hybrid. This platform is also compatible with electric powertrain. Renault has announced to invest Rs 5300 crore in India. The platform will be heavily localised to achieve competitive pricing. This architecture will also underpin Renault’s 3-row SUV, which will rival the Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, Jeep Meridian and the Hyundai Alcazar.
With the new Duster SUV, Renault will introduce its fuel efficient hybrid powertrain in India. The new-gen Dacia Duster is offered with 3 petrol engine options – two of are with hybrid tech. The India-spec model is likely to get a strong hybrid powertrain, called the Hybrid 140. This powertrain combines a 94hp, 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 49hp electric motor, and a starter generator. It is packed with a 1.2kWh battery pack, which supports regenerative braking. The SUV can purely run up to 80 per cent of the time in the city on electric only.
It also comes with a new TCe 130 engine, which comprises of a 1.2L 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system that offers a combined power output of 130hp. Power is transmitted to front wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox. This version also comes with an all-wheel-drive layout as an optional. The Duster AWD also comes with a terrain mode selector. It is offered in 4 driving modes – Snow, Mud/Sand, Off-Road and Eco. The SUV has a ground clearance of 217mm, and has an approach, departure and ramp breakover angles of 31-degree, 36-degree and 24-degree respectively.
