It’s Thursday morning, January 29, 2026, and if you’ve been waiting for the “king of the hills” to return, the wait just ended. On Republic Day, Renault finally dropped the veil on the new-generation Duster in India.
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The thing is, this isn’t the budget-basic SUV you remember. It’s now a high-tech “software hub” on wheels. Or nothing.
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The Duster 2026 Comeback: Field Notes
It’s an ongoing situation where Renault has skipped an entire generation to bring the latest global tech straight to Chennai. Here’s the ground reality:
The OpenR Digital Cockpit: This is the headline act. It’s not just a screen; it’s an Android Automotive OS setup. The thing is, Google Maps and Assistant are baked into the car. You don’t even need to plug in your phone to get live traffic or lane guidance. Those too.
The “India-Spec” Flex: While the global version is cool, the India model gets a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and a connected LED tail-lamp bar—features even the Europeans don’t get. Let’s be real, Renault knows exactly what Indian buyers want.
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Engine Powerhouse: You’ve got options. A 1.0L turbo for the budget-conscious, a beastly 1.3L turbo (163 PS) for the highway lovers, and a 1.8L Strong Hybrid that’s targeting the Grand Vitara and Hyryder. The thing is, no diesel. It’s a petrol-only party now.
The “R Pass” Booking: Pre-bookings are officially open for ₹21,000. If you get the “R Pass,” you get priority delivery in April and a “special introductory price.” Those too.
New Renault Duster: Vital Stats (Jan 2026)
| Feature | Specification / Detail | Why it Matters |
| Price (Expected) | ₹10 Lakh – ₹20 Lakh | Undercuts Creta/Seltos at the entry level. |
| Top Engine | 1.3L Turbo (163 PS / 280 Nm) | Most powerful in its segment. |
| Hybrid Option | 1.8L Strong Hybrid | Arriving by Diwali 2026. |
| Tech Hub | 10.1″ Touchscreen + 10″ Cluster | Native Google services (No phone needed). |
| Off-Road | 212mm Ground Clearance | 4×4 Terrain Control with 5 modes. |
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And Here’s the Kicker…
Renault is offering a 7-year warranty on the new Duster—a first for them in India. The thing is, they are so desperate to win back the trust they lost when the first-gen faded away that they’re throwing everything at it. Including a guided tour of the Chennai plant for “R Pass” holders. Those too.
One side comment—the Tata Sierra just launched on January 13, and the Kia Seltos Facelift hit showrooms on January 2. It’s an ongoing situation where the mid-size SUV segment is a literal warzone right now. Or nothing.
Also Read |Tamil Nadu Voter List Purge: 97 Lakh Names Deleted in SIR Phase 1
End…
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