Next Big Launch From Renault and Nissan - New Duster

In order to increase sales, Renault and Nissan are planning to launch multiple new cars including SUVs and EVs in the Indian market in the next couple of years. Both brands will introduce 5-seater mid-sized SUVs, 7-seater SUVs and electric SUVs by 2026. Renault has already announced that the third-generation Duster will be launched in India in 2025, followed by an all-new 3-row SUV in late 2025 or early 2026. 

Similarly, Nissan will also introduce its own version of the Duster and the 7-seater SUV. In fact, the 3-row SUV is most likely the Renault Bigster SUV that has recently been debuted under the Dacia nameplate. Both models are designed and developed on Renault-Nissan alliance's CMF-B modular platform that underpins several global Renault and Nissan models.

New Renault Duster & Nissan's Mid-Sized SUV

The platform will be heavily localize to achieve competitive pricing for the price sensitive Indian market. Renault-Nissan engineers will use several local components to bring the cost down of this global architecture. The new Duster will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate, Kia Seltos and others in the mid-sized SUV category. 

In fact, Renault has started testing the new-gen Duster SUV on the Indian roads. The SUV retains the original Duster's rugged design with high ground clearance. The new Duster styling is inspired from the Bigster concept, which recently unveiled in production avatar. 

The cabin has received massive changes, featuring a new 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a 7-inch digital driver's display. In terms of features, the SUV gets cruise control, 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, all-4 disc brakes, electronic parking brake, wireless smartphone charger and 6-speaker Arkamys 3D sound system. 

The global-spec Duster is offered with 1.2L turbo petrol with mild hybrid & a 1.6L petrol with strong hybrid engines. However, the India-spec model is likely to be packed with a 1.5L NA petrol and a 1.3L turbocharged petrol engine. The same powertrain will be offered with Nissan's version of the Duster. Renault is also considering hybrid version of the Duster, which could be launched at a later stage. 

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