All-New Renault Duster and a Refreshed Kiger Arriving Soon

In order to regain lost market share, Renault has taken several steps in recent times. The company is finalising on taking full control of Chennai based manufacturing plant, which will allow Renault India to strengthen its sales in the country and step up exports. After launching the new Renault Triber, the French automaker is now planning to introduce the new Kiger and the third-generation Duster SUV in India. 

Renault hopes to further improve its sales in the highly competitive compact SUV segment. Francis Hidalgo Marques, VP Sales and Marketing, Renault India believes that the Kiger is a “fantastic car but a little bit unlucky” as its India debut coincided with the second wave of COVID. Info Source

Renault will relaunch the Kiger compact SUV with massive changes in terms of features, design and interior changes. It is expected that the small SUV to get modern design elements, feature-loaded interior and advanced tech like LEVEL 2 ADAS tech. The SUV will continue to offer the existing 1.0L NA petrol and 1.0L turbo petrol engines with multiple gearbox choices. 

The third generation Renault Duster is reportedly to be launched in the first half of 2026. If media reports are to be believed, production of the new-gen Renault Duster is likely to start in September, 2025 at Renault’s Chennai manufacturing plant. It will first come in petrol avatar, while a hybrid version is also under development with launch expected in late 2026 or early 2027. 

The new Duster will be powered by a 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that produces 151bhp and 250Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic. The lower-spec variants could either get a 1.5L NA petrol or a 1.0L 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine. 

Some of the key features of the new Duster includes a 360-degree surround view camera, rear parking assistance, blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control, hill start assist and descent control, front, side and rear parking sensors and 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment unit.

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