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Renault Duster breaks cover as the re-badged Dacia SUV made for global markets in 2023
Renault has unveiled the all-new Duster SUV, previously showcased as a Dacia late last year. The Renault-badged version features subtle styling revisions, evident in the official images. Notably, the front grille now sports Renault lettering instead of a traditional logo, mirroring the Dacia version. All Dacia logos have been replaced by Renault lettering throughout the SUV. Additionally, there are slight changes to the interior upholstery.
New Platform & Dimensions
Built on the CMF-B platform, the new Renault Duster retains its robust appearance. Measuring 4.34 meters in length, it is slightly longer than its predecessor but exudes a more aggressive stance. A seven-seater variant, akin to the Dacia Bigster concept, is also in the pipeline, arriving later. With a wheelbase of 2,657mm, the Duster is marginally shorter than the outgoing model.
Design: Exterior & Interior
Like its Dacia counterpart, the Renault Duster features slim Y-shaped LED Daytime Running Lamps, vertical air vents in the bumper with circular fog light units, and a large lower grille area resembling a flattened bull bar. The 18-inch alloy wheels boast a simpler design, while the rear showcases Y-shaped tail-lights and a bumper design akin to the Dacia Duster.
The double-layer dashboard remains consistent, but the finishing and upholstery are distinct from the Renault variant. The centre console, slightly angled towards the driver, will feature two digital screens in higher variants – a 7.0-inch display for driver information and a 10.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment purposes. While the screen sizes match those of the Dacia Duster, each SUV will sport unique fonts and colour themes for the menus.
More Features
Shared features between both Duster variants include wireless charging, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, automatic climate control, and an Arkamys 3D sound system with six speakers. Additionally, the SUV incorporates Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology, encompassing automatic emergency braking, detection of vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycles, traffic sign recognition with speeding alerts, rear parking assistance, lane change warning and assist, among others.
Specifications
While details about the engine options for the Duster are still pending, it’s anticipated that the same three sets of engines available in the Dacia version will be offered, including two electrified options. One of these is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid with two electric motors and an automatic gearbox. It has a 1.2 kWh battery that enables pure electric driving for up to 80 percent of city driving. Another option is the 130hp, 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine paired with a 48V starter motor.
Additionally, the Duster will be available with a 1.0-litre petrol-LPG option in select markets, but there won’t be a diesel option in any market for the time being. The Duster will feature terrain modes such as Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, Off-road, and Eco. With a ground clearance of 217mm, it boasts an approach angle of 31 degrees and a departure angle of 36 degrees.
India Launch & Rivals
Thanks to the Renault-Nissan group’s investment of around Rs 4,000 crore, the new Duster is slated to make a comeback in the second half of 2025. It will compete against rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. Additionally, a Nissan version of the midsize SUV, available in both five- and seven-seater configurations, is expected to debut later.
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