The French automaker has started testing the third-generation Renault Duster that’s expected to hit Indian roads sometime in 2025. The SUV’s new model will be offered in 5 and 7-seats configurations. While its 5-seater version will take on the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos and Toyota Hyryder, the 7-seater Duster will go up against the Kia Carens, Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari and MG Hector Plus. The latest spy images of the new Renault Duster show heavily camouflaged test mule featuring thin LED headlamps, angular stance and flat bonnet as we have seen in the Dacia Bigster concept.
One can also notice the roof rails, squarish wheel arches, pull-type door handles at the front and C-pillar integrated rear door handles. The rear section of the new Duster also shares resemblance with the Bigster concept. It has a twin pod-style spoiler and boomerang-shaped taillamps. The SUV’s new-generation model will underpin the heavily localised CMF-B modular platform that’s co-developed by Renault and Nissan. The all-new Renault Duster will be bigger than the outgoing model.
The new Renault Duster is reported to be offered with plug-in hybrid and electric powertrain options. Here, the SUV’s last-generation model was available with the 1.3L turbo petrol engine that’s good enough for 156bhp.
Besides the new-gen Duster, Renault India will foray into the entry-level electric vehicle (EV) segment in coming years. Though, the carmaker hasn’t yet revealed details of its new EV. In Chinese market, the French automaker sells the Renault Kwid E-Tech (Kwid EV) that comes with a 26.8kWh battery pack. It promises a range of 271km (NEDC cycle) in a single charge. Its power and torque figures stand at 44bhp and 125Nm respectively. The Kwid EV has been packed with features such as a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, four spoke steering wheel, an EV-specific instrument cluster, tyre pressure monitor, 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill start aid and more.
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