Article by Maria Olteanu – Published Tuesday, 06 January 2026 23:05 / Updated Tuesday, 06 January 2026 23:05
A new Renault-badged Duster with a facelift and a possible hybrid variant is all set to launch in India later this month. The first images of the new model have already appeared.
“More than just a name, Duster is a symbol of Renault's success story in India and around the world. A name that has defined the SUV segment and inspired millions. The new Renault Duster will be unveiled on January 26, 2026,” Renault announced.
Dacia Duster has become one of the most successful global models of the Renault group, far exceeding Romania's borders and gaining popularity in emerging markets. Now, a new version of the Renault-branded SUV is all set to launch in India. The car will have styling changes specific to the local market, thus differentiating it from the global model, according to carscoops.com.
PHOTO. This is what the new Renault Duster will look like
So far, buyers in India have only been able to purchase the first generation Duster, which was sold between 2012 and 2022. The new version, which was officially confirmed in March 2024, is based on the third generation of the SUV and will be launched alongside Nissan Tektona related model built on the same platform.
Ahead of its January 26 launch, Renault has released a short teaser video for the upcoming Duster, revealing a familiar silhouette but with some new visuals. The most noticeable change is at the front, where the global model's 'Y'-shaped daytime running lights have been replaced by thin LED strips, although the shape of the optical blocks appears to remain unchanged.
The rear, in turn, is different, with an LED light bar across the entire width of the tailgate, which joins the taillights and frames the Renault logo.
The side profile of the new model that will be launched in India is yet to be revealed, but it is expected to be quite similar to the global model and not have any substantial changes.
As for the interior, according to the source cited above, the dashboard is expected to mirror the design of the other versions of the Duster and its sibling, the Nissan Tekton, although materials and finishes could vary by market.
The top trims will most likely offer a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging and a panoramic sunroof, a popular feature among Indian buyers that has become almost mandatory in this segment.
According to Autocar India, the new Duster will initially be sold with a petrol engine, with a plug-in hybrid variant to be added to the range in 2027.
Unlike the global version, produced in Turkey, the new Renault Duster will be produced locally at the company's plant in Chennai. The official premiere is scheduled for January 26, and price estimates place the SUV in the $11,100 – $22,300 range.
In the competitive mid-size SUV market in India, the Duster will battle established names like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, VW Taigun, MG Astor and the upcoming Tata Sierra.
