When we talk about tough, practical, and stylish SUVs in India, the Renault Duster is one name that instantly comes to mind. Since its launch, the Duster has built a strong fan base for its muscular looks, powerful engines, and true off-road capabilities that many “urban SUVs” can only dream of. Even though Renault has discontinued the last-gen model in India, the Duster continues to hold its charm among SUV enthusiasts, and the buzz around the next-gen Renault Duster is stronger than ever.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Duster’s design, features, performance, mileage, pricing, pros-cons, and where it stands among rivals.
Table of Contents
Assertive SUV Design – Rough, Tough & Stylish
“Renault Duster has consistently impressed with its strong stance, striking front grille, and commanding SUV presence on the road.
The roof rails, sculpted bonnet, and modern graphic LED light signature add to its rugged yet premium feel. Unlike many compact SUVs that look sporty but behave like hatchbacks on stilts, the Duster has always delivered authentic SUV DNA.
Its 217mm ground clearance (in 4×4 variant) and bigger wheels make it equally capable on city roads and tough terrains. Whether it’s mud, sand, snow, or gravel, the Duster transitions effortlessly thanks to its 5 driving modes – Eco, Auto, Snow, Mud & Sand, and Off-Road.
Engine & Performance – Power Meets Efficiency
The Duster’s charm has always been its balance of power and drivability. It came with two main engine options in India:
Petrol Engine Option
1.5-litre petrol motor producing 106PS and 142Nm, mated to a smooth 5-speed manual transmission.A smooth and reliable option for city and highway runs.
Turbo-Petrol Engine Option
1.3L Turbo-Petrol Engine – 156PS power and 254Nm torque, with a 6-speed manual or CVT gearbox. This was the real game-changer, delivering thrilling acceleration and confident highway performance.
In global markets, the new-gen Duster also offers a 1.3L turbo petrol mild-hybrid engine, producing 113kW (153 bhp) and 250Nm torque, paired with a 7-speed EDC automatic transmission. This engine delivers excellent efficiency with fuel consumption as low as 6.5L/100 km under WLTP standards.
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
The Renault Duster’s mileage figures varied depending on the engine and drivetrain:
- Petrol (1.5L MT) – 13.9 to 16.5 kmpl
- Turbo Petrol (1.3L MT/CVT) – 14–16 kmpl
- Diesel (1.5L 85PS) – up to 19.8 kmpl (discontinued in later years)
For Indian buyers, the 1.5 diesel was once the most loved variant due to its strong torque and fuel efficiency, but it was phased out post-BS6 norms.
Interior & Features – Comfort Meets Technology
Step inside the Renault Duster and you’ll notice its focus on practicality and comfort. While it never aimed to be the most premium SUV, it offered solid features that mattered most to buyers.
Key Features:
- A massive 10.1-inch Open R infotainment display, supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play connectivity.
- 7-inch digital instrument cluster displaying 4×4 data (pitch angle, compass, etc.)
- Arkamys 6-speaker sound system
- Automatic climate control with rear AC vents
- Wireless charging dock and multiple storage spaces (28.9L total)
- You Clip system – attach accessories like hooks, tablet holder, cup holders at up to 8 points
- Multi view camera for parking assistance (Intens variant)
- Cruise control & height-adjustable driver seat
Boot space was another strong point – 494 litres capacity made it perfect for road trips and family outings.
Safety Features
The Renault Duster also took safety seriously with:
- Dual front airbags (standard)
- ABS with EBD & Brake Assist
- Rear parking sensors & camera
- Hill Start Assist
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Blind Spot Detection (in select trims)
Price & Variants
Before being discontinued, the Renault Duster price in India ranged between ₹8.49 lakh – ₹14.25 lakh (ex-showroom).
Popular Variants:
- RXE Petrol (1.5L MT) – ₹8.49 Lakh
- RXS Petrol (1.5L MT) – ₹9.29 Lakh
- Turbo RXE (1.3L) – ₹10.49 Lakh
- Turbo RXZ CVT (1.3L) – ₹14.25 Lakh
ALSO READ: Renault Kwid Price 2025 – Stylish Hatchback with CNG, Features & Safety
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Bold SUV styling backed by genuine off-road capability | Cabin design felt older compared to competitors |
| Powerful 1.3L turbo engine option | No diesel engine in later years |
| Excellent ground clearance (205–217mm) | Fit & finish not as premium |
| Large 475–494L boot space | Feature list shorter vs Creta/Seltos |
| Strong safety package | Production stopped in India (only old stock available) |
Renault Duster Colour Options
The Duster was always known for its bold personality, and the wide range of colour choices made it even more appealing. Buyers could pick from stylish shades to match their taste:
- Pearl White – Elegant and timeless
- Mahogany Brown – Classy and premium
- Moonlight Silver – Modern and sleek
- Slate Grey – Rugged and bold
- Cayenne Orange – Sporty and eye-catching
- Caspian Blue Metallic – Striking and youthful
- Outback Bronze – Adventure-ready earthy tone
With such a diverse palette, the Duster ensured that every buyer found a colour that suited their personality – whether it was sophistication, sportiness, or pure adventure vibes.
Rivals & Market Position
The Duster competed with Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, VW Taigun, MG Astor, Nissan Kicks, and Maruti S-Cross. While rivals offered more features and premium interiors, the Duster remained unmatched in ruggedness and off-road capability in the compact SUV space.
Final Verdict – Still a Legend Among SUVs
The Duster might have exited the Indian market for now, but its legacy remains strong. It was never just another city SUV – it was a true workhorse that could take on highways, broken roads, and off-road trails with ease. Combining robust engines, roomy interiors, impressive ground clearance, and value-for-money pricing, the Renault Duster perfectly blends everyday practicality with adventurous spirit.
If you’re an enthusiast waiting for the new-gen Renault Duster, the upcoming model is expected to bring hybrid tech, modern interiors, and even better off-road capabilities – making it worth the wait.
Frequently Ask Questions on Renault Duster
Q1. Is Renault Duster still available in India?
The last-gen Duster was discontinued in 2022, but a new-gen model is expected soon.
Q2. How fuel-efficient is the Duster?
Depending on the variant, mileage ranged between 13.9 kmpl to 19.8 kmpl.
Q3. Does the Renault Duster have a diesel engine?
The diesel engine was available earlier but was discontinued after BS6 norms.
Q4. What is the ground clearance of the Renault Duster?
The Duster stands tall with 205mm ground clearance in its FWD trim and an impressive 217mm in the AWD variant.
Q5. Which cars compete with the Renault Duster?
The Duster squared off against popular SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, MG Astor, and Nissan Kicks.
