We drove the all-new Renault Duster in Dehradun across a mix of highways, broken patches, and sinuous roads and almost immediately, something felt familiar.
Not in the sense of design or features, because this is an all-new car, but in the way it approaches driving. The original Duster built its reputation on being tough, simple and genuinely capable on bad roads. This new one seems intent on holding onto that identity, while trying to modernise everything around it
Exterior
It’s voluptuous, more upright, and feels like a proper SUV. At 4,346 MM in length and with a 2,657 MM wheelbase, it has the footprint to back up that stance. Up front, you get a new signature grille with bold DUSTER lettering, flanked by LED lighting elements that feel more contemporary than before. The overall look is tougher, but not over-designed.
From the side, it gets high ground clearance of 212 MM, just a tad bit shy of the Honda elevate which leads in terms of ground clearance sitting at 220 MM. Squared-off wheel arches give it that go-anywhere visual appeal, something a lot of rivals have moved away from in favour of softer designs.
At the rear, the connected lighting and cleaner surfaces bring it up to date, but the overall theme remains functional rather than flashy. It’s not trying to be the most stylish SUV in the segment, but it definitely looks the most honest and also easy on the eyes.
Interior
Step inside, and you’ll immediately notice how much more modern the cabin is compared to the old Duster. The dashboard is now centred around a 10.1-inch OpenR Link infotainment system with Google built-in, along with a fully digital driver display on higher variants.
You also get most of the features you would expect from this segment
- Panoramic sunroof
- Ventilated front seats
- Dual-zone climate control
- Powered tailgate
- 360-degree camera
- 17 ADAS features
On paper, it ticks most boxes. But spend some time inside, and a few things stand out.
Some of the materials, especially lower down in the cabin, feel noticeably plasticky, which slightly takes away from the overall premium feel. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something you notice, especially given how competitive this segment has become. Rear seat comfort is decent, but the absence of rear sunblinds feels like an odd omission, particularly for a car positioned in this segment.
Engine & Performance
This is where the new Duster makes a strong statement.
The highlight is the 1.3-litre Turbo TCe 160 engine, producing 163 PS and 280 NM, making it the most powerful petrol engine in its segment. It comes paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed wet clutch DCT, and the tuning feels well-suited to Indian conditions.
Performance is brisk. There’s a strong mid-range surge, and overtakes feel effortless most of the times but you get the feeling that the engine is straining hard to do so. Probably expected to happen if you put such turbos in a small (1.3 litre ) engine. There’s also a 1.0-litre turbo petrol on offer which is carried over from the kiger, but realistically, the 1.3-litre is the one that defines the Duster experience.
Looking ahead, Renault will also introduce the E-Tech strong hybrid, combining a petrol engine with a battery setup capable of running in EV mode for a significant portion of city driving. That said, one notable absence is a diesel engine option, something that would have made a lot of sense in this segment, especially for high-mileage users.
Driving Impressions ( The USP ? )
Out on the road, the Duster quickly reminds you why it built such a strong reputation in the first place.
Ride quality is easily the best in the segment. Bad roads, potholes and uneven surfaces are handled with a level of composure that most rivals struggle to match. There’s a sense of robustness in the way the suspension works, it absorbs impacts without feeling soft or floaty.
High-speed stability is another strong point. The car feels planted and predictable, even when speeds climb. Handling is also surprisingly capable. It’s not a sporty SUV in the traditional sense, but it feels stable, confidence-inspiring and well-balanced.
However, it’s not perfect. The NVH levels could have been better. You do hear engine ( not the turbo spool, that is a welcome addition ) and road noise creep into the cabin more than you’d expect, especially at higher speeds. And then there’s the elephant in the room, no AWD option. Given the Duster’s legacy as a genuinely capable off-roader, the absence of an all-wheel-drive variant feels like a missed opportunity
Practicality
Duster really scores in practicality. Boot space stands at 518 litres (expandable up to 700 litres), making it one of the most usable SUVs for long trips and family duties.
Cabin storage is well thought out, and the overall layout feels functional, something that aligns well with the Duster’s no-nonsense approach.
Pricing & Positioning
The new Duster is priced from ₹10.49 lakh (ex-showroom) for the turbo petrol, with the top-end variants going up to around ₹18.49 lakh. Given the performance on offer, the space, and the overall driving ability, it positions itself quite competitively against rivals like the Creta, Seltos and Grand Vitara.
Verdict
The new Renault Duster doesn’t try to be everything for everyone, and that’s what makes it interesting.
It brings back a focus on fundamentals:
- Good engine
- Excellent ride quality
- Solid road manners
At the same time, it adds enough modern features to stay relevant in today’s market. Yes, there are gaps. Interior quality could be better, NVH needs improvement, and the absence of AWD and diesel options will disappoint some buyers.
But step back and look at the bigger picture, and the Duster still delivers something many rivals have moved away from. It feels like a proper SUV.
