All-New Renault Duster Teased for India: Launch on Republic Day Jan 26, 2026 – Price, Specs & Rivals Revealed
Since my first Duster test drive in 2013, I have been a car enthusiast; to be honest, nothing matched its go-anywhere attitude for the price. It feels like a homecoming to see Renault tease the brand-new third-generation Duster for India ahead of its Republic Day launch on January 26, 2026. This SUV, which combines rugged roots with contemporary flair, promises to shake up the midsize segment once more after a break of four years.
From Rough Roads to Premium Pavement: The Duster Evolution
Do you recall the original? With its ladder-frame toughness and optional 4×4 that turned office goers into weekend warriors, it swept through India in 2012 for less than 10 lakh rupees. Over 200,000 sold before discontinuation in 2022 amid alliance drama. With a longer wheelbase for family space, 210mm of clearance for pothole paradise, and a wading depth of more than 400mm—ideal for Mumbai monsoons or Himachal trails—this revamp on the CMF-B platform (think lighter Magnite DNA) raises the bar. I can say that this feels personal because I have a first-generation child who has been through Ladakh. Not only is Renault bringing back an icon, but they are also fixing issues from the past, like cabin noise and plasticky interiors.
Bold Looks That Turn Heads
Teasers scream adventure: boxy stance, C-shaped LED DRLs, chunky skid plates, roof rails ready for kayaks. Inside? A leap, with two 10.25-inch screens, ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and Level 2 ADAS (lane keeping, adaptive cruise control). The most expensive model has a panoramic sunroof and JBL audio. Standard safety features include ESP, TPMS, and six airbags—a Creta-level kit at Duster prices.
Engines for Every Drive
Petrol-first launch:
1.0L turbo (90-100hp, 20+ kmpl) for daily commutes.
Punchy 1.3L turbo (156hp, 250Nm) with 6MT/DCT for highways.
Diesel and hybrids by mid-2026? Fingers crossed. For the brave, four-wheel drive keeps the off-road spirit alive.
Pricing Battle and Rival Smackdown
Creta is cheaper at 12-18 lakh ex-showroom, but it has more features. The value magic of Renault shines here.
Updated Competitor Table
| Feature | New Duster | Hyundai Creta | Kia Seltos | Tata Curvv | Maruti Grand Vitara |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Price | ₹12L | ₹11.5L | ₹11L | ₹10L | ₹10.8L |
| Ground Clear | 210mm | 190mm | 190mm | 200mm | 210mm |
| Top Power | 156hp | 160hp | 160hp | 125hp | 150hp (hybrid) |
| ADAS | Yes (top) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Boot Space | 450L | 433L | 433L | 500L | 373L |
| Warranty | 5yr/1L km? | 3yr/unlim | 3yr/unlim | 5yr/1.5L | 2yr/40k km |
Ownership Real Talk (From Experience)
Best Buy: RXZ topper for tech; RXE base for fleets.
Running Costs: ₹5-7K services, 18-22 kmpl real-world.
Resale: First-gen holds 60% after 3 years—expect better.
Mod Life: Roof tents, snorkels, lift kits galore.
Watch Out: Brand image trails Hyundai; test AC in summer.
Pros: Unmatched value, ruggedness, feature punch.
Cons: Refinement gaps vs Japanese; hybrid wait.
Why This Matters for India
Reinvention was necessitated by the Renault-Nissan split, but Duster leads their 2027 volume push. Nissan Terrano twin follows. Bookings began in January with more than 500 dealers prepared. This may be the SUV for Haryana families or urban adventurers. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel once more—Duster has always seemed like the trustworthy friend who always shows up for the difficult roads. Mark your calendars; Republic Day just got exciting!
For weekend getaways from Haryana, the RXZ top-spec model with the 1.3L turbo and ADAS is the ideal blend of power, technology, and off-road credentials. Love the panoramic sunroof tease; long drives will be epic with it. What about you? Which one is beckoning to you? The RXE, RXL, RXS, and RXZ are just a few of the expected variants of the upcoming Renault Duster, which will go on sale in India on January 26, 2026. They will start out basic and progress to loaded top-trim models. Based on global specifications and Indian testing, the probable lineup is as follows:
Base to Mid Variants
RXE: Entry petrol (1.0L turbo, ~90hp MT), steel wheels, basic touchscreen, dual airbags. ~₹12 lakh.
RXL: Adds alloys, rear AC vents, keyless entry, 6 airbags. ~₹13.5 lakh.
RXS: LED lights, cruise control, wireless charging, reverse camera. ~₹15 lakh.
Top-Spec Variants
RXZ: Dual screens, ventilated seats, 360° camera, ADAS (lane keep, adaptive cruise), panoramic sunroof. 1.3L turbo (156hp MT/DCT). ~₹17-18 lakh.
RXZ Dual Tone/Elite: AWD option, JBL audio, premium leatherette. ~₹19 lakh
For more details read this article.
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