New Renault Duster 2026 India Launch: Price, 34 kmpl Mileage & Features

If you’ve been driving in India for more than a decade, the name Renault Duster probably triggers a bit of nostalgia. It was the car that taught Indians that you didn’t need a bulky Scorpio or Safari to have “SUV-ness.” After a long hiatus, the third-generation Duster is finally making its grand entry into the Indian market.

Officially teased for a January 26, 2026 debut, this isn’t just a “facelift”—it is an entirely new beast built on the CMF-B platform. With an expected starting price of ₹10 Lakh (ex-showroom), Renault is aiming straight for the throat of the mid-size SUV segment. But in a world dominated by the Creta and Seltos, does the Duster still have that “magic carpet” ride quality we fell in love with? Let’s find out.

QUICK SPECS TABLE: At a Glance

EXTERIOR DESIGN & ROAD PRESENCE

The new Renault Duster has traded its “rounded-off” muscles for a more chiselled, futuristic look. The front grille now features the new Renault “Nouvel’R” logo, flanked by Y-shaped LED DRLs that give it a very wide, aggressive stance.

• The Stance: It looks “tall” despite its compact dimensions. The 209 mm ground clearance is best-in-class, making it look like it could eat speed breakers for breakfast.
• The Details: You get chunky wheel arches, 18-inch diamond-cut alloys, and a rear door handle tucked into the C-pillar (similar to the Swift or Kiger).
• Road Presence: While the Creta is sophisticated, the Duster looks rugged. It’s the kind of car you’d want to take to Ladakh, not just the local mall.

INTERIOR, COMFORT & FEATURES

Step inside, and you’ll realize Renault has finally moved away from the “functional but boring” cabins of the past.

The Dashboard & Tech

The top-end variants feature a three-screen layout (Digital Cluster, Infotainment, and a dedicated climate display). The 10.1-inch touchscreen is tilted towards the driver, making it very “cockpit-like.” However, keep in mind that Renault still uses a fair bit of hard plastics on the lower dashboard to keep costs down.

Space & Comfort

• Front Seats: Great lateral support. You sit high up, giving you that “commanding” view of the road.
• Rear Seats: Can 3 people sit at the back? Yes. The Duster has always been wider than its rivals, and the new model continues that trend. Shoulder room is generous, though knee room is just “adequate” compared to the Honda Elevate.
• Key Missing Features: While it gets a sunroof, it might skip the panoramic unit seen in rivals. Ventilated seats are also rumored to be limited to the top-spec “Iconic” trim.

ENGINE PERFORMANCE & DRIVING DYNAMICS

This is where the Duster wins or loses.

• City Drive: The steering is now electronic (thank God!). It’s light and effortless in bumper-to-bumper Mumbai or Bangalore traffic. The 1.5L NA engine is great for the city, but if you’re a “pedal-to-the-metal” driver, you’ll find it a bit lethargic.
• Highway Drive: The 1.3L Turbo Petrol is the star. Producing 150+ BHP, it feels punchy and can maintain 120 kmph all day without breaking a sweat.
• The Suspension: The legendary Duster “ride quality” is intact. The suspension absorbs potholes easily—you don’t feel that sharp “thud” that you might in a Seltos. It feels planted and inspires confidence at high speeds.

SAFETY: A Significant Leap

Renault hasn’t cut corners here. The international spec (Dacia) already scored a 3-star Euro NCAP rating, which usually translates well to Indian conditions given the updated safety norms.

• Airbags: 6 Airbags as standard across most variants.
• ADAS: Expected to feature Level 2 ADAS (Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist).
• Build: The CMF-B platform is much stiffer than the old Duster, offering better structural integrity.

REAL WORLD MILEAGE (THE TRUTH)

Let’s talk about the “Kitna Deti Hai” factor.

Note: The Hybrid version is the game-changer, potentially offering city mileage that rivals a small hatchback.

THE COMPETITION: Duster vs. The Giants

The Winner: If you want a car that can handle “No Roads” and offers a plush ride, the Duster wins. If you want a mobile gadget with 50+ connected features, the Creta still holds the crown.

Read more :  Mahindra XUV 7XO

FINAL VERDICT

Buy it if:

• You prioritize ride comfort over fancy ambient lighting.
• You frequently travel on bad roads or go on weekend treks.
• You want a unique-looking SUV that stands out from the “Creta-crowd.”

Skip it if:

• You want a Diesel engine (Duster is now Petrol/Hybrid only).
• You are looking for a lavish, soft-touch interior (it’s still a bit rugged inside).
• You need a massive service network in Tier-3 cities (Maruti/Hyundai are still ahead).

FAQs (People Also Ask)