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The Renault Duster is making a grand comeback in India after a long hiatus. Once a popular name in the mid-size SUV segment, the Duster lost momentum over the years due to increasing competition and limited updates. Renault officially discontinued the model in 2022 after sluggish sales. Now, Renault is gearing up to reintroduce the Duster with an all-new design, modern features, and a renewed sense of purpose.
What makes this comeback even more exciting is the confirmation that Nissan, Renault’s alliance partner, will also launch its own version of the SUV. This new Nissan-branded model, still unnamed, will share the same underpinnings as the Renault Duster but will sport an entirely different top hat in line with Nissan’s latest design philosophy.
New Duster Based on Dacia Bigster
Renault has based the all-new Duster on the Dacia Bigster concept, first showcased in 2021. The third-generation Duster made its global debut in Europe in 2023 and is already available in select international markets. The Indian version will likely carry forward the same platform but with region-specific tweaks to meet customer expectations and road conditions.
Spy shots have confirmed that test mules of the new Duster have already been seen multiple times on Indian roads. The heavily camouflaged prototypes reveal a boxy and rugged stance, signaling a design that leans toward a bold, SUV-like presence rather than a soft crossover appeal. Renault aims to recapture the spirit of the original Duster, which earned praise for its solid build and off-road capability when it first launched in India.
Renault Duster to Launch Before Nissan Version
Renault will likely introduce the Duster in India by late 2025 or early 2026. This timeline puts the Duster’s launch ahead of the Nissan derivative, which the Japanese automaker plans to launch in early FY26—between April and June 2026. Renault will use this lead time to re-establish the Duster brand and attract SUV buyers with competitive pricing and localized features.
The re-entry of the Duster will also mark Renault’s strategic shift in the Indian market, where the brand currently relies heavily on the Kwid, Kiger, and Triber. A strong, capable SUV like the Duster can fill the void in the C-segment and compete against rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota Hyryder.
Nissan Teases Its Own Version of the Duster
Nissan recently teased its upcoming C-segment SUV, which will share the Duster’s architecture but feature unique styling and a new identity. While the brand has not revealed the official name of the model, it promises a distinctive road presence and styling inspired by Nissan’s global design language.
The teaser images show a bold front fascia with a signature Nissan grille, flanked by two sleek chrome strips and a centrally placed Nissan logo. The LED DRLs adopt an inverted L-shape, and a chrome accent connects both ends to give the front end a wide, confident look. The bumper design, grille treatment, and lighting elements all set the Nissan version apart from its French sibling.
Nissan claims the SUV will borrow visual cues from its flagship SUV, the Patrol. That means a taller stance, aggressive design lines, and a commanding presence on the road. The company has also confirmed that the SUV will offer high approach and departure angles, indicating a focus on off-road capability and rugged design elements.
Shared DNA, Distinct Personalities
Although both SUVs will use the same CMF-B platform developed by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, the two products will appeal to different sets of buyers. Renault will likely market the Duster as a rugged, value-packed SUV with legacy appeal, while Nissan will pitch its version as a more premium offering with stronger road presence and more upmarket features.
This approach allows both companies to reduce development costs while maximizing reach in the competitive mid-size SUV space. It’s not the first time these brands have shared platforms in India. Models like the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite emerged from the same partnership and succeeded in their respective price segments.
Engine and Performance Details
Nissan has revealed that its upcoming SUV will most likely feature a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine. This engine will deliver 152 bhp of maximum power and 250 Nm of peak torque. It’s the same engine used in the Nissan Kicks and Renault Duster in the past and has earned a solid reputation for its smooth power delivery and strong performance.
Transmission options will likely include a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. This combination will cater to both driving enthusiasts and city dwellers looking for comfort and ease of use. Renault will probably offer the same engine-gearbox combo in the new Duster, although diesel and hybrid options remain unlikely for now.
Renault and Nissan’s Shared History in India
Renault and Nissan have worked together for years in India, sharing platforms, engines, and production facilities. The CMF-A platform that underpins the Kwid, Kiger, and Triber also supports the Nissan Magnite. This alliance allows both companies to maintain cost efficiency and offer competitive pricing in a value-conscious market.
In the past, Nissan launched the Terrano, a rebadged version of the original Renault Duster, to tap into the growing SUV craze. Although the Terrano didn’t achieve the same success as the Duster, it helped Nissan expand its footprint in the Indian SUV market. Now, with a new platform and more refined strategy, Nissan aims to make a stronger impact.
The company hasn’t confirmed whether it will revive the Terrano nameplate or introduce a new name for its upcoming SUV. However, the focus remains on offering a unique identity while benefiting from the proven mechanicals of the Duster platform.
What to Expect from the New Duster and Nissan SUV
Both the Renault Duster and its Nissan counterpart will target a fast-growing segment in India. Buyers increasingly prefer SUVs over sedans and hatchbacks, and the demand for mid-size SUVs continues to rise. Renault and Nissan aim to capture this demand with bold styling, strong engines, feature-rich interiors, and robust pricing.
You can expect features like a digital driver display, a large touchscreen infotainment system, connected car tech, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, premium upholstery, a 360-degree camera, and advanced safety features like six airbags and ADAS in the top trims.
The upcoming Duster and Nissan SUV will likely be manufactured locally at the Renault-Nissan alliance plant in Tamil Nadu, helping both brands keep prices competitive.
Final Thoughts
The return of the Renault Duster and the launch of its Nissan derivative mark a major step forward for both brands in India. With the SUV market booming, timing becomes crucial, and Renault plans to re-enter the market before Nissan rolls out its version. Both SUVs will offer fresh designs, robust powertrains, and competitive pricing, aiming to challenge segment leaders and reignite interest in the brands.
As the Indian market awaits their arrival, the battle in the C-segment SUV category is set to heat up once again. The new Duster could become the comeback story of the decade—while Nissan gets ready to shake things up with a bold, Patrol-inspired SUV that builds on familiar foundations but aims for a completely new impression.
