Just a few days ago, the French automaker Renault-owned sub-brand Dacia unveiled the new Duster compact SUV. This all-new Duster, which will be sold by Renault, has been in the works for multiple years now, and it will be coming to the Indian market in the second half of 2025. Now, on further advancement on this SUV, it has been reported that this popular SUV will be offered with versatile seating options with both 5-seat and 7-seat configurations. The last-generation Duster was only offered with a 5-seat layout.
The forthcoming third-generation Renault Duster, at the moment, has been unveiled with only a five-seater configuration. However, reports have confirmed that a seven-seater layout will be offered in India. Built on the CMF-B platform, the five-seater version will boast a 4.34m length. However, presently the exact dimensions of the seven-seater Duster are unknown. Most likely, in the coming months, we could get more information on the exact specifications of this Duster with an additional third row of seats.
Exterior design: Front
Inspired by the previously shown Bigster concept, the front fascia of the third-generation Duster boasts a much more robust yet sophisticated exterior design. The new SUV features distinctive Y-shaped LED daytime running lights that seamlessly integrate with the garnish on the front grille. It also hides the main LED headlights, which will get a halogen bulb for the higher beam. Moving a little lower down on the front fascia, the new Duster gets a muscular bumper, with a prominent dark grey skid plate. It will also get halogen fog lamps as well.
Side profile and rear-end design
Moving to the side profile, a unique touch to sustainability has been added by the company with the use of recycled materials for the side claddings. The new Duster also gets a brand new set of machined 18-inch alloy wheels on the higher trims and 17-inch wheels on the lower variants. Just like the front, the rear end continues the bold design language. It also gets Y-shaped LED taillights, a bigger and bolder tailgate, and a double bubble spoiler. It too gets the same dark grey skid plate on the rear bumper adding to the rugged appearance.
Interior and safety
On the inside, the Renault Duster has been vastly improved with an offering of an extremely modern and layered dashboard layout. The center of the dashboard is dominated by a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, coupled with a 3.5-inch digital instrument cluster. It also gets a flat-bottom steering wheel, automatic climate control, and Y-shaped air conditioning vents and unique attachment points that can be used with a host of accessories that will be eventually offered by the brand.
In addition, it also gets features like heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and sustainable materials for seat covers. Apart from the above-mentioned features, on the safety front, the 2025 Duster will come equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite. It will be offering crucial features such as automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, lane change warning assist, and more. At the moment, if the company will be offering ADAS in India or not has not been revealed.
Powertrain options
As for the powertrain side of things, the upcoming Duster in the international markets next year will be offered with a variety of engine options. The lineup includes a 1.6-liter hybrid petrol engine with two electric motors, a 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol engine with a 48V mild hybrid system, and a 1.0-liter petrol engine available with LPG/CNG in select markets. Notably, Renault just like major automakers has opted out of offering a diesel engine option for the all-new Duster.
Pricing and Competition
It is believed that in India, Renault could be offering this SUV in the range of Rs 16-20 lakh. This means that it will be taking on rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Honda Elevate, and a ton of other SUVs from the compact SUV segment. As mentioned, India won’t be seeing this SUV before 2025.
The post India-spec all new Renault Duster to get 5 and 7 seat variants: Details first appeared on Cartoq.