Exclusive ! Global Debut of the 3rd Gen Duster, but India-launch in 2025

The much-anticipated Renault’s 3rd Gen Duster SUV was unveiled in Portugal under the Dacia subsidiary brand for international sales. This third-generation Duster is a major improvement, and Renault claims it to be the most potent version to date.

In 2012, the Duster made its debut in India, greatly aiding Renault’s growth in the country. The original Duster was discontinued in 2022 due to declining demand, which occurred more than ten years earlier. Renault plans to release the third-generation Duster in India sometime in 2025, eschewing the second-generation model. It intends to use India as a hub for the production of this French SUV and plans local production for both domestic and export markets. But in the interim, let’s examine what lies ahead of us carefully.

3rd Gen Duster: Exterior

The most recent Dacia Duster is constructed on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF-B modular platform, which is also utilized in the Dacia Sandero and Jogger MPV. This new Duster, which is anticipated to come in Nissan and Renault versions, keeps the same iconic SUV shape while adding contemporary design cues.

The third-generation Duster takes design cues from the Bigster concept while retaining its boxy dimensions and SUV spirit. At 4343mm, it has a slightly longer height. At 1656 mm in height and 2657 mm in wheelbase, it has a much larger and sportier appearance.

Muscular Looks

With its bold squared wheel arches, body cladding, and muscular, sculpted bonnet, the new Duster has a powerful stance. Functional roof rails with a loading capacity of up to 80 kg are also included in the package. Its front includes a lower bumper that looks like a flattened bull bar with tough body cladding, a bigger air dam, and circular fog lights. It also has Y-shaped LED DRLs with chrome inserts on a sleeker grille and wide air intakes. Notably, its rugged aesthetics are enhanced by a prominent skid plate.

C-Pillar Mounted Door Handles

Significantly flared rear fenders and plenty of ground clearance are visible in the side profile. Additionally, it has new dual-tone, multi-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels with diamond cuts, while the lower versions have 17-inch wheels. The SUV has a blacked-out vertical shadow line beneath the mirrors, bronze accents on the ORVM and the Dacia logo. Notably, unlike the previous generation, the rear door handle is now mounted on the C-pillar.

Rear And Boot

Sharp Y-shaped LED lights, a unique spoiler, and a sturdy bumper design draw attention to the back end. There have been so many changes made to the first-generation Duster sold in India that it may be difficult to identify this SUV as a Duster at all, even with its sharply sloping rear windscreen and spacious 472 liters of luggage space.

3rd Gen Duster : Interior

Renault has redesigned the Duster’s interior, adding a new center console and double-layered dashboard. For the dash, the color scheme combines contrasting light and dark grey shades. Bronze or silver Y-shaped inserts can be found adorning the AC vents. The door trim armrests also feature this Y pattern. The updated air conditioning vents are complemented by a 10.1-inch floating infotainment system that takes center stage on the chunky all-black dashboard. Additionally, the front and rear seats of the SUV have two USB C-type charging ports and 12-volt charging available.

Interestingly, the touchscreen and center console are inclined slightly toward the driver in an effort to replicate the atmosphere of a cockpit. A dedicated phone holder is located between the touchscreen and the digital driver’s display on the interior, which also features physical buttons for the HVAC and media controls. Renault has also updated the automatic transmission versions’ gear selector lever, which now has an electronic parking brake.

Renault claims that the 3rd gen Duster’s interior space has been optimized by engineers thanks to the new CMF-B platform. For both front and rear passengers, this means more shoulder room, headroom, and legroom.

Features

A number of features have been added to the updated Duster, including an Arkamys 3D sound system with six speakers, an automatic climate control system, and a wireless charger. There is a 60:40 split option for the rear seats, and a new flat-bottomed steering wheel with three spokes sits behind a digital instrument cluster on the dashboard. The driver’s display on the base model is still semi-digital. The updated steering wheel has more buttons to control the infotainment system, cruise control, and make phone calls.

Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), hill assist, electronic stability control (ESC), multiple airbags, and an array of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are among the safety features of the 2024 Duster.

3rd Gen Duster: Powertrain Options

Renault has declared that the 3rd Gen Duster will not have any diesel engines. In European markets, the Duster is offered with three different engines. Among them is a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder petrol hybrid with two electric motors and regenerative braking that produces 140 horsepower. This engine is already familiar to us because it powers the Dacia Jogger MPV, which gets 24.5 km/l and 148 Nm of power.

4X4 And 4X2

There will be 4X2 and 4X4 versions of the 3rd Gen Duster available, with multiple terrain modes for improved off-road performance. Impressive specifications are stated by Renault, such as a 217mm ground clearance, a 31-degree approach angle, and a 36-degree departure angle. Moreover, the model has hill-descent control.

3rd Gen Duster: Rivalry

By 2025, we can anticipate seeing this incredible SUV on our shores. In the Indian market, the 3rd Gen Duster and its Nissan derivative are going up against fierce competition. With competitive models such as the Honda Elevate, Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, VW Taigun, MG Astor, Honda Elevate, Hyundai Creta, and Citroen C3 Aircross.

Also Read: Matter Aera with 125km/charge.

The new generation Duster has undergone a significant aesthetic makeover overall. Regarding appearance, the 3rd Gen Duster is expected to draw a lot of attention and have a striking presence when driving on Indian roads.

FAQ

Release Date:

Q: When will the 3rd Gen Duster launch in India?
A: The expected launch date for the 3rd Gen Duster in India is sometime in 2025.

Engine and Transmission:

Q: Will the 3rd Gen Duster have a diesel engine option in India?
A: No, Renault has confirmed that the 3rd Gen Duster will not have any diesel engines, focusing solely on petrol options.
Q: Which petrol engines will be available in the 3rd Gen Duster for India?
A: Specific engine details for India are yet to be revealed, but international markets offer a 1.6-liter petrol hybrid option.

Design and Features:

Q: How different is the design of the 3rd Gen Duster compared to the previous model?
A: The 3rd Gen Duster features a significant design overhaul, with a more muscular stance, C-pillar mounted door handles, and a redesigned interior with a larger touchscreen.
Q: What are some of the key features expected in the 3rd Gen Duster for India?
A: Potential features include a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, a digital instrument cluster, a wireless charging pad, and ADAS driver assistance systems.

Competition:

Q: Which SUVs will the 3rd Gen Duster compete against in the Indian market?
A: The 3rd Gen Duster will face stiff competition from established rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos, and MG Astor.

Price and Availability:

Q: What is the expected price range for the 3rd Gen Duster in India?
A: Due to the launch being in 2025, the official price range is yet to be announced. However, considering the feature upgrades, expect a price bump compared to the previous generation.
Q: Will Renault manufacture the 3rd Gen Duster in India?
A: Yes, Renault plans to use India as a production hub for the 3rd Gen Duster, catering to both domestic and export markets.

Additional Points:

Q: Will the 3rd Gen Duster offer both 4X2 and 4X4 variants in India?
A: Yes, Renault has confirmed offering both 4X2 and 4X4 options for the 3rd Gen Duster, potentially catering to buyers seeking off-road capability.
Q: What are the expected mileage figures for the 3rd Gen Duster in India?
A: Specific mileage figures are not available yet, but the 1.6L hybrid engine offered internationally delivers around 24.5 km/l.

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