The new Renault Duster Hybrid debuts in India with petrol and strong hybrid engines, 700L boot, Google-built-in tech and ADAS. Prices expected in March 2026.
All-New Renault Duster Hybrid Revealed: Powerful Engines, Smart Tech & India-Focused Design Explained
Renault has officially revealed the all-new third-gen Duster for India, and it’s packed with hybrid tech, bold design and smart features.
Built specifically for Indian conditions, the new Duster promises strong performance, big space and next-gen technology.
Renault has officially unveiled the third-generation Duster in India, and it is easily one of the biggest SUV reveals of the year. Shown for the first time in Chennai, the all-new Renault Duster marks the brand’s serious comeback attempt under its International Game Plan 2027.
What makes this new Duster special is that over 90 per cent of it has been developed specifically for Indian conditions. From rough roads and extreme weather to high-altitude testing, Renault has clearly designed this SUV keeping Indian buyers at the centre.
Built For India, Literally 🇮🇳
The new Duster is based on the Renault Group Modular Platform, which is flexible enough to support multiple body styles and powertrains. Renault says the SUV has been tested in extreme temperatures from -23°C to 55°C and validated at altitudes above 18,000 feet.
This same platform will also be used for a seven-seater Duster-based SUV, expected to arrive next financial year. Safety has also been a big focus, with the platform engineered to meet high crash standards and support 35 safety-related features.
Three Engine Options – Something For Everyone
Instead of depending on just one engine, Renault is offering three powertrain choices, which is a big plus.
1.3L Turbo Petrol (TCe 160)
This is the most powerful engine in the lineup:
- Power: 163 PS
- Torque: 280 Nm
- Gearboxes: 6-speed manual or 6-speed wet-clutch automatic (DCT)
This option is clearly aimed at buyers who want strong performance and highway confidence.
1.0L Turbo Petrol (TCe 100)
A more affordable and practical option:
- Turbocharged petrol engine
- Manual gearbox only
- Focused on daily city driving and efficiency
Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 (Big Highlight)
This is where things get really interesting. For the first time in this segment, Renault has introduced its Strong Hybrid E-Tech system in India.
- 1.8L GDI petrol engine
- 1.4 kWh battery pack
- Supports up to 80% electric-only driving in city conditions
This means better fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and a smoother driving experience—perfect for urban use.
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Proper SUV Stance & Big Boot Space
Despite being more modern and tech-heavy, the new Duster has not lost its rugged SUV DNA.
Key highlights:
- Ground clearance: 212 mm
- Approach angle: 26.9 degrees
- Departure angle: 34.7 degrees
While there is no AWD option, the numbers clearly show that the Duster is still capable on bad roads and rough terrain.
Dimensions
- Length: 4,346 mm
- Width: 1,815 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,657 mm
Boot Space
- 700 litres of luggage capacity
That’s segment-best, making it ideal for road trips and family use.
Bold Design With Fresh Identity
Visually, the new Duster looks much more premium and aggressive than before.
Key exterior highlights include:
- Trapezoidal grille with yellow accents
- Full LED headlights and tail-lamps
- Horizontal rear light bar
- Chunky protective cladding
- Diamond-cut 18-inch alloy wheels
Renault has also introduced a stunning new colour:
- Mountain Jade Green, inspired by Himalayan landscapes
- Available with a contrasting black roof
It gives the Duster a very global SUV vibe.
Interior: Rugged Yet Premium
Step inside, and the cabin feels like a huge upgrade over the old model.
Highlights include:
- High-mounted centre console
- Electronic gear shifter
- Physical buttons for frequently used functions (thankfully!)
The seats are:
- Sculpted for comfort
- Feature yellow contrast stitching
- Finished in Mountain Jade leatherette
The cabin also gets:
- Carbon-textured surfaces
- Metallic accents
- Strong build quality feel
Comfort Features You’ll Actually Use
Renault has packed the new Duster with practical and premium comfort features, including:
- Ventilated front seats
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Dual-zone climate control with PM2.5 air filtration
- Electric panoramic sunroof
- Powered tailgate
- Total cabin storage of 32.6 litres
Tech That Changes The Game
This is where the new Duster really breaks away from its predecessor.
Infotainment & Displays
- 10.1-inch OpenR Link touchscreen
- Google built-in (Maps, Assistant & Play Store)
- No need for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
This makes the Duster the first mass-market car in India to offer native Google services.
- 10.25-inch digital driver display
- Navigation and vehicle data shown directly in front of the driver
Connected Features
- Over 60 connected car features
- Access via Renault’s app ecosystem
Safety & Driver Assistance
Safety has also received a major boost:
- 17 ADAS features
- Hill Descent Control
- Multi-sense drive modes
- Customisable driving profiles
User preferences can be saved and recalled using individual Google profiles, which is a very cool and futuristic touch.
Built specifically for Indian conditions, the new Duster promises strong performance, big space and next-gen technology.
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Warranty, Booking & Delivery Details
Renault is offering strong ownership confidence:
- Warranty up to 7 years or 1,50,000 km
- Covered under the Renault Forever programme
Booking Details
- Pre-bookings open via R Pass
- Booking amount: ₹21,000
- Includes priority delivery and introductory benefits
Launch Timeline
- Prices announced: Mid-March 2026
- Customer deliveries: April 2026
- Strong Hybrid variant: Later in 2026
Final Thoughts: Worth The Wait?
The all-new Renault Duster Hybrid is no longer just a budget SUV. It’s now:
- More premium
- More tech-loaded
- More efficient
- More India-focused
With hybrid power, massive boot space, bold design, and next-gen technology, the Duster is shaping up to be a serious rival to midsize SUVs in India.
If pricing is aggressive, this could easily become Renault’s strongest comeback product yet.
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