New Renault Duster SUV Spotted During Road Test Ahead of India Launch

The Renault Duster SUV was spotted during the road test, and images of it leaked on the internet. Renault India launched the first-generation model in 2013 and discontinued it in 2020. The company did not introduce the second-generation Duster here; it is currently available in other countries. For India, the third-generation SUV version is in the works, and the online road test images confirm the same. The Duster SUV will be made in-house, according to the firm. Renault-Nissan has set its future product strategy for India and intends to release three new models. An investment of Rs 4,000 crore (USD 500 million) has been reportedly made to support this new India product plan. According to recent industry reports, the new Duster will officially launch in India in 2025. Now with the first spy images, let's know more about this upcoming SUV. 

New Renault Duster: Exterior & Interior 

Despite the highly camouflaged test mule, a few similarities to the Dacia Bigster concept are visible. The SUV will have Y-shaped tail lamps, squarish wheel arches, pull-type front door handles, rear door handles situated on the C-pillar, a layered spoiler, and a streamlined bonnet design. According to the spy shots, the tailgate outline, back bumper design, and number plate mounting location will be nearly identical to the Dacia Bigster concept, which debuted in early 2021. Given the side profile and rear section's striking likeness, the front fascia of the upcoming Renault may also significantly use design cues from the Dacia Bigster concept.

The spy images offered no information on the interior. However, according to the reports, the SUV could also resemble the Dacia Bigster prototype. It will get a wireless phone charger, a free-standing touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and other features. The standard model will come with a 5-seat configuration. It could also get a 7-seat layout variant. 

Also Read: Renault Triber, Kiger, and More Get Discounts of up to Rs 62,000 in March 2023

New Renault Duster: Safety Features 

Industry reports further reported that the upcoming Duster SUV will have a tyre pressure monitoring system, 6 airbags, parking sensors & camera. The higher-spec versions of the SUV could also get an ADAS.

New Renault Duster: Mechanical Details 

The next-gen Renault Duster SUV will likely get an internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrain in India. As informed in previous reports, the new Duster SUV will be based on a heavily-localized CMF-B modular platform, co-developed by Renault and Nissan. According to reports, Renault-Nissan intends to launch their EV powertrain with an A-segment vehicle, most likely a Kwid EV. 

New Renault Duster: Market Rivals 

When launched here in 2025, the new Renault Duster SUV with a 5-seat configuration will lock horns with vehicles such as the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, the Hyundai Creta, the Kia Seltos, the Volkswagen Taigun, and more. The 7-seat version, on the other hand, will go against the models like the MG Hector Plus, the Kia Carens, and others. 

Also Read: Upcoming 7-seater SUVs in India: All-new Renault Duster, Nissan X-Trail and More

Renault-Nissan Future Plans

To increase sales in the Indian market, the Renault-Nissan Alliance has disclosed its plans to launch six new models, including two electric cars (EVs). In line with the same strategy, the automobile manufacturer has made Rs 5,300 crores of investment to boost production and R&D activities and introduce EVs. The automaker plans to switch to carbon-neutral manufacturing by 2024. 

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