2026 Renault Duster To Be Revealed On January 26 – What To Expect | V3Cars

Renault Duster Returns

The Duster is one of Renault India’s most iconic nameplates – a model that essentially kickstarted the monocoque C-SUV segment when it first launched in 2012. While the original Duster was discontinued in early 2022, its reintroduction in 2026 signals Renault’s renewed focus on the fast-growing 4.2m to 4.4m SUV space.

2026 Renault Duster – Engine And Transmission Details

Although Renault India have not yet officially revealed the engine options, it’s expected that the new Duster will come with petrol engines only at launch.

• A 1.3L turbo-petrol engine is likely to headline the range, producing around 156PS of power, paired with manual and CVT automatic transmissions.
• The entry-level variants could use the 1.0L turbo-petrol, possibly in a slightly higher state of tune than in the Kiger.

While a diesel powertrain isn’t on the cards for now, Renault are evaluating a localised hybrid powertrain to appeal to buyers looking for better fuel efficiency and lower running costs. All-wheel-drive (AWD) is also expected to return, likely on higher variants.

Why Petrol and Hybrid Make Sense for the New Duster

With diesel engines steadily losing favour due to stricter emission norms and higher development costs, Renault’s petrol-only approach makes sense, especially given the government’s push for cleaner fuel tech and hybridisation. The turbo-petrol + CVT setup should appeal to urban buyers who prioritise refinement and convenience, while a localised hybrid could make the Duster one of the few fuel-efficient SUVs in its class without going fully electric.

2026 Renault Duster – Platform, Design And Size

The new Duster will be underpinned by the CMF-B platform, a modular architecture jointly developed by Renault and Nissan. This same platform will also spawn a badge-engineered Nissan SUV, dubbed the Nissan Tekton, which is expected to launch in the first half of 2026.

This new platform promises improved ride comfort, crash safety, and cabin space compared to the older version. A 7-seater version of the new Duster is also reportedly under development, likely to arrive later in the lifecycle to compete with larger SUVs like the Hyundai Alcazar and Tata Safari.

Duster Rivals And Segment Positioning

The 2026 Duster will enter the crowded C-SUV segment, locking horns with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara and Victoris, Toyota Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Honda Elevate, Tata Curvv, MG Astor as well as the Citroen Basalt and Aircross.

Also Read: Nissan Tekton Name Revealed For Upcoming C-SUV; India Launch In 2026

Helpful Tools:

• Fuel Cost Calculator for Cars – Know your monthly fuel expense based on usage and mileage
• Car On-Road Price Calculator – Convert ex-showroom to on-road price for any city

Sell Used Car Online – Enter your car and contact details to get an instant price estimate and book a free inspection with our partner network