Done and Dustered as an old favourite comes back!

Renault is back with a bang, with the new Duster. The previous avatar, sold between 2012 and 2024, clocked sales of over 2,00,000 units, so expectations for the new model remain high. Based on the unique Renault Global Modular Platform (RGMP), a derivative of the Common Module Family – B (CMFB) platform, the India version gets totally unique features like a new Electrical & Electronics (E&E) based on a modern electronic system (SWEET400) co-developed with Google, allowing for better integration of advanced features like ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).

The older car had a reputation for being rugged, and Renault has worked diligently to uphold that reputation. Black cladding dominates all around, giving a butch look, while a generous ground clearance of 212 mm means you are unlikely to strike most objects on the road. At the rear, the door handles are merged into the C-pillar, which, in our opinion, is highly impractical and requires a lot more energy to grip and open. LED lighting abounds, like most modern cars, and you have distinctive LED ‘eyebrows’ that are DRLs but also double up as indicators. At the rear, the triangular taillights get a connected light bar, which is unique to India. The height of the India-spec Duster is much higher, given the fact that a panoramic sunroof had to be accommodated for Indian market preferences. Thankfully, the tailgate is powered.

Interiors & Performance

Step inside, and a brand-new cabin greets you. The infotainment system is on a vibrant 10.1-inch display, and since it's co-developed with Google, features like Google Maps are native to the unit. You also get built-in apps like YouTube Music, Amazon Music and Spotify, besides a lot more that can be downloaded from the Google store. Most of the vehicle functions can be controlled from here as well. There is a 10.25-inch display for the driver as well, which can be highly customised with vibrant colour displays. There is liberal use of silver accents and faux carbon-fibre, so the whole setup looks very upmarket. Thankfully, the HVAC van still be controlled with physical buttons, but the placement of the seat ventilation buttons is counterintuitive. The audio control stalk is also somewhat fiddly to operate and requires a learning curve. Surprisingly, for a car that’s so Indian market-centric, rear sunshades are missing.

Currently, two engines are on offer – a 1.0-litre 3-pot with 100 PS on offer and a 1.3-litre 4-pot with 160 PS on tap. The latter can be specified with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). A 1.8-litre strong hybrid is on the cards but will surface only later this year. The car has 17 ADAS features, which appeared to be well calibrated with lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross traffic alert features working well. Six airbags are standard.

The new Duster is aimed to offer a lot of features at a good price point, to win over customers’ hearts. The build quality is rugged, and its new features make it look upmarket. Sure, some things are missing, but nothing that cannot be fixed with minor updates. This is one rugged, technologically advanced family SUV.

 Prices start at ₹10.29 lakh, ex-showroom onwards.

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