New Renault Duster: A Rugged SUV with Premium Looks, Bahubali Engine, and Advanced Features

New Renault Duster: A Rugged SUV with Premium Looks, Bahubali Engine, and Advanced Features

Renault has officially revealed the New Renault Duster, and it’s back with a bolder design, more powerful engine options, and a range of modern features. Known for its rugged performance and practical build, the Duster is returning with a fresh identity while retaining the core strengths that made it popular among SUV lovers in India. With muscular styling, strong road presence, and what many are calling a “Bahubali engine,” the new Duster aims to compete with popular models like the Hyundai Creta, Tata Harrier, and Mahindra Scorpio.

Here’s a detailed look at what makes the new Renault Duster a strong contender in the mid-size SUV segment.

Overview Table

Design & Style

The new Renault Duster now carries a bold and modern SUV look while still keeping its rugged personality. The updated design features a muscular bonnet, a wide front grille with chrome elements, and sharp LED DRLs integrated into the headlamps. The high ground clearance and strong wheel arches give it a powerful stance that feels ready for any terrain.

From the side, the Duster now gets larger alloy wheels, body cladding, and roof rails, enhancing its SUV appeal. The rear design is cleaner, with updated LED tail lamps and a more sculpted tailgate. Inside the cabin, Renault has taken a more premium route. You get soft-touch materials on the dash, a dual-tone color scheme, and better seat comfort. Overall, the new Duster blends rugged appeal with modern styling very well.

Engine & Performance

Renault has loaded the new Duster with powerful engine options, including a 1.5L petrol, a 1.3L turbo-petrol, and an all-new hybrid variant. The 1.3L turbo engine is the most talked about, producing up to 156 PS of power, which gives the Duster a strong punch and highway confidence.

The hybrid version, expected to launch later in 2025, is said to deliver over 160 PS, combining fuel efficiency with performance. Renault has tuned these engines for strong mid-range torque, making it suitable for both city use and highway overtaking.

The gearbox options include a 6-speed manual, a CVT, and a dual-clutch automatic (in higher variants). The power delivery is smooth, and the gear shifts feel responsive, especially in the turbo and automatic versions.

Ride & Handling

One area where the Duster has always stood out is its ride quality, and the 2025 model continues that tradition. The suspension is tuned to handle rough Indian roads with ease. The high ground clearance of 210 mm makes it capable of tackling speed breakers, potholes, and even mild off-road tracks.

The steering is light at low speeds and firms up at higher speeds, offering a good balance between comfort and control. While front-wheel drive is standard, an AWD variant is expected to return in future updates for those looking for serious adventure capability.

Features & Tech

The new Renault Duster gets a solid upgrade in terms of features. Key highlights include:

• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system

• Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay

• Digital instrument cluster

• Auto climate control

• Cruise control

• Push-button start and keyless entry

• 360-degree camera and front/rear parking sensors

• Wireless phone charger

Safety has also been improved with 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist, and ABS with EBD. These features make it a safer and more confident choice for families and long-distance travelers.

Mileage & Fuel Efficiency

The mileage figures of the new Duster will vary depending on the engine. The 1.5L petrol is expected to offer around 14–16 kmpl, while the 1.3L turbo-petrol may deliver around 13–15 kmpl, depending on how it’s driven. The hybrid version, on the other hand, could offer up to 20 kmpl, making it a fuel-efficient option for buyers who drive more frequently.

While it may not match the mileage of compact hatchbacks, the Duster offers better efficiency than many full-sized SUVs in this segment.

Price & Variants

The expected starting price of the new Renault Duster is around ₹10 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base petrol variant, going up to around ₹17 lakh for the top-end turbo or hybrid variant. Renault is likely to offer the SUV in four to five trims, covering manual and automatic options.

Given its features, space, and performance, the new Duster is expected to be priced competitively, especially when compared to rivals like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Tata Nexon.

FAQs

1. Is the new Renault Duster bigger than the previous model?
Yes, the 2025 Duster is slightly larger and offers more interior space than the older version.

2. Does the Duster come with a diesel engine?
As of now, the Duster is expected to launch with petrol and hybrid options only.

3. Is AWD available in the new Duster?
Currently, only front-wheel drive is confirmed, but an AWD variant is expected in later models.

4. How many airbags does the Duster offer?
Top variants will come with six airbags, along with other advanced safety features.

5. Is the Duster suitable for long-distance trips?
Yes, the Duster is well-suited for highway driving and long road trips due to its comfort and performance.

Final Verdict

The New Renault Duster is more than just a comeback—it’s a strong statement in the mid-size SUV market. With its bold styling, strong engine options, premium interiors, and feature-loaded package, the Duster is now more competitive than ever. Its ability to handle rough roads, offer comfortable rides, and deliver real SUV character makes it a worthy option for anyone looking for a practical yet powerful SUV.

If you’re searching for a vehicle that combines ruggedness with premium appeal, the 2025 Renault Duster deserves a serious look. It might just be the Bahubali of urban SUVs that Indian roads have been waiting for.