Renault Duster India Relaunch: Renault Targets Premium SUV Buyers

On January 26, France’s Renault will unveil the redesigned Duster SUV in India, marking a decisive step in the Renault Duster India relaunch as the automaker pivots toward premium vehicles and a more focused customer base. The move aligns with a broader strategy under new CEO Francois Provost to rebuild Renault’s presence in the Indian market.
Renault currently holds less than 1% market share in India but is targeting a rise to 5% over the coming years. The new Duster will anchor this growth plan, positioning the brand to appeal to India’s expanding middle class seeking competitively priced yet visually appealing SUVs.
“Previously, our strategy was to offer a car to all Indians. That is not my strategy,” “I am targeting the middle class, which is growing in India and wants competitively priced but attractive cars.”
Renault Duster India Relaunch to Begin Sales With Hybrid Option
Sales of the new Duster are expected to begin in February, with hybrid technology introduced in India for the first time on this nameplate. According to suppliers familiar with Renault’s plans, annual production of the Duster is projected at 130,000 to 140,000 units, potentially more than tripling Renault’s India sales compared with 2025 levels.
The availability of a hybrid option reflects Renault’s intent to align with shifting buyer preferences and tightening emissions norms while maintaining competitive pricing in the mid-size SUV segment.
Powertrain Details for the New Renault Duster
The redesigned Duster will be offered with petrol and hybrid powertrains, providing buyers with multiple performance and efficiency options.
Key specifications include:

• 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 130hp

• Six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission

• Hybrid variant using a 1.8-litre petrol engine paired with two electric motors

• Combined output of 143hp for the hybrid version

The hybrid model is expected to launch within 12 months of the petrol variant, expanding the Duster’s appeal in urban and high-usage driving conditions.
Duster’s Legacy and Renault’s India Revival Plan
The Duster was first introduced in India in 2012 and quickly became a cornerstone of Renault’s success, helping the company achieve a 4% share of the passenger vehicle market by 2016. The model was discontinued nearly five years ago due to the high cost of complying with updated emissions regulations.
Following the Renault Duster India relaunch, the company plans to introduce a larger SUV inspired by the Dacia Bigster, along with an electric vehicle. The larger SUV could arrive within 12 to 18 months and is expected to offer a seven-seat configuration aimed at the growing large-SUV segment.
Manufacturing Capacity and Global Strategy Shift
Renault now has full ownership of its manufacturing facility in southern India, which has an annual production capacity of 500,000 units. This infrastructure is central to Renault’s plan to scale up operations and reduce reliance on Europe, which accounted for nearly 70% of its global sales last year.
“Renault needs to solidify its market share in its high-growth markets,” Alexis Albert, equity fund manager at DNCA Finance, a Renault investor.
The automaker has announced a planned investment of 3 billion euros by 2027 to launch new models across India, Latin America, South Korea, Turkey, and North Africa. While Renault has not disclosed the exact allocation for India, the scale of upcoming launches underscores the country’s strategic importance amid rising competition in Europe from Chinese automakers such as BYD.