After being absent in India from 2022, the Renault Duster is making a comeback in its third-generation avatar, a test mule of which was spotted recently with India-specific stylistic changes. Renault will debut the new Duster on January 26, 2026.
- Spy shots reveal the headlight design, 360-degree cameras and an ADAS sensor
- Will be the first Renault car in India to get an ADAS suite
- Interior design of India-spec Duster is yet to be seen
New Renault Duster spy shots: What could be seen?
Eyebrow-shaped LED DRLs, ADAS’ radar sensor and fog lamps can be seen
Renault recently teased the upcoming Duster, revealing some design changes for the India-spec model, which will differ from the globally available version. The spied test mule offers a sneak peek at these updates, including sleek headlights with eyebrow-shaped LED DRLs. While the grille is still covered, a camera module is visible, hinting at the inclusion of a 360-degree camera setup.
The front bumper, also camouflaged, shows three air intake slits beneath the grille and a wide air dam at the bottom with fog lamps on both sides. On the windscreen, a radar sensor for ADAS is visible, suggesting that the production model will feature this, making it the first Renault offering in India to include such a safety suite. Additionally, a sunroof, which is likely to be a panoramic unit, can also be spotted.
C-pillar-mounted door handles and 360-degree camera modules are visible
The alloy wheels are camouflaged, but body cladding is visible on the wheel arches, like the global-spec model. The rear door handles are mounted on the C-pillar, adding a sleek touch. Roof rails and camera modules on the ORVMs can also be seen.
The spied Duster shows wraparound taillights, with the connected LED bar likely hidden under the camouflage. A roof-mounted spoiler, rear wiper, and reverse parking sensors are visible.
New Renault Duster: Expected interior design and features
Could feature the global version’s cabin design with premium materials
The interior design of the India-spec Duster hasn’t been revealed yet, but it’s likely to share a similar layout with the global-spec model, with some tweaks in materials on key touchpoints to give it a more premium feel.
The feature set is expected to be similar to the global version, including a 10.1-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, and a wireless phone charger.
New Renault Duster: Expected powertrain options
Likely to get only petrol powertrains at launch
While the old Duster in India came with a diesel engine, the upcoming India-spec version is likely to launch with only petrol powertrains. These may include the global-spec model’s 156hp, 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine, as well as a 1-litre turbo-petrol engine from the Kiger, likely with a slight increase in power. The 1-litre unit could be offered in the lower variants of the SUV.
Sources suggest that a strong-hybrid petrol engine might be introduced, potentially debuting on the Duster a year after its release.
The 2026 Renault Duster is expected to be priced between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 20 lakh, competing with mid-size SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, and Volkswagen Taigun.
Image credits: langurlang via CarsIndia Reddit
