It is finally happening. The SUV that started it all in India is coming back. After years of silence, Renault India has dropped the first official teaser of the New Generation Duster, confirming that the “King of Compact SUVs” will make its grand debut on Republic Day (January 26, 2026).
The teaser video, released yesterday, plays heavily on nostalgia (showing the old Duster conquering Ladakh), but it ends with a glimpse of the all-new model. And guess what? The India-spec Duster looks different from the global version.
Here is everything we spotted in the teaser and what you can expect next month.
Design: India Gets a “Special” Look
While the global Duster (sold as Dacia) has been out for a while, the Indian version has a unique twist.
- Connected Tail Lamps: The biggest reveal in the teaser! Unlike the global model which has separate “Y-shaped” tail lights, the Indian Duster gets a full-width Connected LED Light Bar at the rear. This makes it look premium and wider, similar to the Kia Seltos.
- Boxy Stance: The silhouette remains true to the original—rugged, boxy, and muscular. It features massive squared-off wheel arches and tall roof rails.
- New Logo: It proudly wears the new “Retro-Futuristic” Renault diamond logo.
Engine & Platform: No Diesel, But Something Better?
The new Duster is built on the localized CMF-B Platform (shared with the upcoming Nissan SUV).
- No Diesel: Sadly, the legendary K9K Diesel engine is not coming back.
- Turbo Power: Expect a powerful 1.3L Turbo Petrol engine (156 BHP) which will make it the most powerful SUV in its segment (beating the Creta/Seltos 1.5 Turbo).
- Hybrid Surprise? Rumors suggest Renault might also introduce a Strong Hybrid variant to take on the Grand Vitara, but this might come later in 2026.
Interior: Rugged Yet Modern
While the teaser didn’t show the inside, leaks confirm a complete overhaul:
- 10.1-inch Floating Touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay.
- Digital Driver Display (7-inch).
- “YouClip” System: A unique feature where you can clip accessories (like phone holders, lights, or hooks) anywhere in the car.
- ADAS Level 2: Yes, it will finally have safety tech like Auto Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist.
Expected Price & Competition
Renault needs to price this aggressively to win back the market.
- Expected Price: ₹10.50 Lakh – ₹19.00 Lakh (Ex-showroom).
- Launch Date: Unveil on Jan 26, 2026. Sales likely to start in March 2026.
- Rivals: Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, and the newly launched Maruti Victoris.
Verdict: Can It Reclaim the Throne?
The Duster has a cult following in India. With the new “Connected” design and the promise of a powerful Turbo engine, it has all the ingredients to be a hit. However, without a diesel engine, it will have to fight hard against the Creta and Scorpio-N.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When is the Renault Duster 2026 launch date in India? A: The New Renault Duster will be officially unveiled in India on January 26, 2026 (Republic Day).
Q2: Will the new Duster have a diesel engine? A: No, the 2026 Duster will likely be a Petrol-only SUV, featuring a 1.0L Turbo and a powerful 1.3L Turbo petrol engine.
Q3: How is the Indian Duster different from the Global model? A: The teaser confirms that the Indian Duster gets Connected LED Tail Lamps, whereas the global model has separate Y-shaped lights. The interior materials are also expected to be more premium for India.