New Renault Duster: Once a recognisable name in India’s SUV space, the Renault Duster is back—and this time, smarter, bolder and better-equipped to take on the competition.
The 2025 model is a new innings and comes with an all-new platform and also gets a design that could take on the highly-acclaimed mid-size SUVs such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier and the Mahindra Scorpio-N.
Supported by Renault’s worldwide alliance with Dacia, the new Duster comes realigned as not just an adventurer’s vehicle but as a new-age, tech-satisfied SUV. Here, we break down what makes this new edition so special — and whether it lives up to its legendary name.
Design: Tough DNA With a Bit of Style
See the new Duster and it becomes immediately apparent: this is more than a mere cosmetic refresh. It’s an all-new beast.
Based on the CMF-B modular platform, the SUV boasts a bolder, more brute look, which breathes confidence.
The grille up front is muscular with Y-shaped LED DRLs that are integrated nicely into the headlamp housing.
Add to that chunky skid plates, squared-off wheel arches, roof rails and a set of dual-tone alloy wheels and the SUV factor is strong with this one. The back, as well, comes with stylish LED tail lamps and a sculpted tailgate.
It’s rugged, yes — but now it’s also stylish enough to get noticed at city traffic lights.
Inside, it’s function meets sophistication!
The Duster has had a full makeover, inside and out. Now, the cabin feels much more premium with soft-touch materials, a tiered dashboard and new color scheme.
Centerpiece is a 10.1-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Other interior features are:
10-inch instrumentation up front is all digital
Wireless charging pad
Dual-zone climate control
360-degree camera
Ambient lighting
Rear AC vents
Panoramic sunroof (on higher trims)
Front seats are supportive, the rear bench provides plenty of legroom and there’s well proportioned luggage space for weekends or long hauls. In short, it’s as utilitarian as ever — but now with a touch of flair.
Performance: Power to Please or to Power Use Other than the PowerChoice Option that addresses the serial ATA interface power option issue, what are our other options to choose from?
The Duster 2025 is likely to be offered with two powertrains:
1.5Â L Natural Aspirated Petrol (115 PS) -Â Suitable for City Driving
1.3L Turbo Petrol (approx 150 PS) – For those craving a more push on highways
The latter will be underpinned by a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic (variant-depending). At Duster’s heart lies its ride — and this time it’s even better, thanks to the stiffer new chassis and tweaked suspension.
An AWD model for outdoorsy types should also be in the cards, something very few competitors can match for the money.
SAFE: HARD, TESTED, & SECURE
Renault is going all teenage ninja on safety with the new Duster. Here is what the SUV is likely going to be offered with:
6 airbags
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) To help reduce the risk of a rollover, which can cause severe or fatal injuries, the computer-based system known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) helps driver maintain vehicle control by preventing skidding and rollover.
Hill Start Assist
Traction Control
TPMS – Tyre Pressure Measurement System
ISOFIX child seat mounts
Parksense premium parking assist system with park view backup camera.
Are those updates to the safety systems and infotainment luck, or just desserts, or are the global crash norms behind the revision?
uilt to meet world crash norms, the new Duster feels substantial, heavy, even, like the best of French cars—and the first Duster—but with modern infotainment and a sense of security.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Muscle-pack design is bold and tough enough as a classic highway cruiser.
Luxury inside, and the latest tech
Turbo-petrol and AWD available
Good ride and well-balanced handling
Anticipated competitive pricing in its segment
Cons:
No diesel option at launch
Not a car for drivers that love to drive with ‘sprit’ CVT.
It is also still unclear how service network will be scaled.
Brand had kept a low-profile in India – trust needs to be rebuilt
New Renault Duster: Verdict: It Actually Was a Comeback, Done Right
The new Renault Duster is more than a comeback — it’s also something of a reboot. It mixes the rough-and-tumble look of the original with all of the modern tech, safety and style that buyers have come to expect.
Regardless of whether you’re an adventure seeker, a city slicker, or if you have a family of 5 to move around on a daily basis, the new Duster has something for everyone.
Yes, there are a few chinks— like the diesel that’s disappeared and the not-very-clear after-sales future— but priced right, the Duster could be right back there in the annals of India’s favourite SUVs.
It’s not nostalgia — it’s what evolution sounds like.