Opinion: New Renault Duster - Will it Dust the Competition?

When the Renault Duster first arrived in India in 2012, it did not merely enter the market – it barged its way in. With best-in-class ride and handling, and a go-anywhere ability, the Duster did not take long to become an icon. It also put Renault firmly in consumers' minds. The Duster made the brand a household name and fired up the imagination of enthusiasts across the country.

And now, THE DUSTER IS BACK. Yes, that is the official tagline, and Renault India is clearly very excited about it. The new Duster could very well determine Renault’s future in India. We attended the Indian debut of the new Duster, spent time with the car, and spoke to Renault’s engineering and product teams. We discussed everything from design decisions and powertrain choices to feature strategy and long-term plans. Here is how the new Duster stacks up, and whether it has what it takes to once again become a force to reckon with in the compact SUV space.

New Renault Duster India: Platform, Dimensions, Ground Clearance & Design

The Duster headed for India has been engineered for Indian conditions. According to V. Vikraman, Chief of Engineering at Renault India, the design is entirely new and India-specific. The SUV uses Renault’s Global Modular Platform, developed with a 90% focus on Indian road conditions and customer expectations. The India-spec Duster sits 50mm taller than its European counterpart, with an approach angle of 26.9 degrees, a departure angle of 34.7 degrees, and a ground clearance of 212mm – figures that place it among the best in the segment. However, all-wheel drive is not on offer for now.

The new Duster may not look massive next to something like the Sierra, but it has presence. The bold DUSTER lettering up front, chunky bumpers, and squared-off LED headlamps give it a proper SUV character. The power dome on the bonnet and the muscular haunches over the rear wheels are clear nods to the original Duster. Yes, the design has been Indianised, but the European flavour remains intact. The 18-inch alloy wheels, shod with thicker 55-profile tyres, are actually more sensible than the lower-profile rubber found on the European model.

Renault will offer three engines: a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, a more performance-oriented 1.3-litre turbo-petrol claiming segment-best output, and a 1.8-litre strong hybrid paired with a 1.4kWh battery. They claim that up to 80% of city driving can be done in EV mode with the hybrid – a bold claim, and one we are keen to test once we get extended time behind the wheel.

Step inside, and the dashboard layout, materials, and colour scheme are all India-specific. The cabin feels premium, but more importantly, it feels driver-focused. The seats are well bolstered, the steering wheel offers both reach and rake adjustment, and there are physical buttons for the climate control system.

The screens are sensibly sized too – large enough without being comically oversized. It gets electric adjustment and ventilation for the front seats, Level 2 ADAS, which can be switched off with a single button, and a panoramic sunroof because, well, it’s built for India. Google integration allows you to log in with your own account, effectively turning the infotainment system into a personalised interface. Overall, the interior demonstrates that Renault has prioritised real-world usability over mere reel-worthy features.

The only worrying aspect was the abundance of hard plastic inside the cabin. It is not a deal-breaker, but certain areas could definitely feel richer – the section above the dashboard, for instance.

Renault Duster AWD in India: Why 4x4 Is Not Offered (For Now)

This one has been bothering many of you, hasn’t it? Renault’s answer is simple and pragmatic. According to Bruno Vanel, Global Product Lead for the Duster, the platform is 4x4-ready but not feasible. In the previous generation, AWD accounted for just 5% of total sales.

For most buyers, the current setup will be more than sufficient. That said, if demand rebuilds, Renault maintains that AWD could make a quick comeback.

So, Will it Dust the Competition?

On paper, the Duster’s potential is enormous – almost uncomfortably so. If the Duster fails, it will leave behind a long list of disappointed enthusiasts and journalists. But if Renault prices it right, this could be the SUV that shifts the goalposts, if not outright resets the benchmarks, in the compact SUV space.

Will it dethrone the Creta? Unlikely. That mountain is simply too tall to climb. But if the Duster manages to carve out a strong, loyal following and restore Renault’s relevance in India, that alone would be a victory worth applauding