Renault Revives Iconic Duster SUV with Major Launch in Chennai
French automotive giant Renault India officially unveiled the all-new Renault Duster in Chennai on Monday, heralding the return of a legendary nameplate that originally shaped the mid-size SUV segment in the country. This launch is a strategic move to re-establish Renault's foothold in India's fiercely competitive passenger vehicle market.
A Legacy of Success and Market Transformation
First introduced in 2012, the Duster quickly became a volume driver for Renault, significantly expanding the mid-size SUV space and earning recognition as one of the brand's most successful and iconic models in India. Its initial success played a pivotal role in building Renault's brand identity and customer base across the nation.
Advanced Powertrain Options Including Hybrid Debut
The new-generation Duster offers multiple powertrain choices, catering to diverse consumer preferences. It includes two turbo-petrol engines: the Turbo TCe 160 and Turbo TCe 100. Notably, for the first time in India, Renault is introducing a strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 variant. This hybrid model combines a 1.8-litre engine with a 1.4 kWh battery, promising enhanced fuel efficiency and performance.
Pricing, Delivery Timeline, and Customer Benefits
Pricing details for the new Duster will be announced in mid-March. Deliveries of the turbo variants are scheduled to commence by mid-April, while the hybrid version is expected to reach customers around the Diwali festival period, as confirmed by Francisco Hidalgo, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at Renault India, during the launch event.
Pre-bookings for the SUV opened on January 26 with a payment of ₹21,000, known as the ‘R-Pass’. Customers who pre-book will enjoy several benefits, including:
- A special introductory price
- Priority delivery
- Exclusive Duster merchandise
- Additional perks
Renault Forever: Enhanced Ownership Experience
The unveiling also marked the introduction of ‘Renault Forever’, a new customer commitment programme designed to simplify ownership. Under this initiative, the new Duster will come with maximum warranty coverage of up to seven years or 1,50,000 kilometres, providing long-term assurance to buyers.
Made for India with High Localisation
Renault emphasised that the new Duster, manufactured at its Chennai factory, has been specifically developed for the Indian market. With close to 90% localisation, the vehicle has undergone rigorous validation for extreme operating conditions, ensuring durability and reliability in diverse environments.
This launch represents a significant step for Renault India as it aims to leverage the Duster's legacy while integrating modern technologies like hybrid powertrains to appeal to today's eco-conscious consumers.
