First Drive|02 Sep 2020
2020 Renault Duster Turbo CVT review, test drive
Delhi
Delhi
Last Updated on: 26 Dec 2025
Renault Duster
Autocar score
Renault Duster Launch Date
Jan 26, 2026
Renault Duster Estimated Price
โน 10.00 - โน 20.00 Lakhs
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Renault Duster Latest Updates
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Renault Duster Features and specifications
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Renault Duster FAQs
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Trending Questions on Renault Duster - Answered by Autocar Experts
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Asked by: Saeesh Gawdeon Dec 25, 2025
I am a proud owner of a Renault Duster, which has now completed 9 years. The car is solid and running well, but I am thinking of upgrading. I really like my Duster. My monthly driving is around 600km. Should I wait for the new Duster or consider the XUV 7XO?
You are not alone in your interest in the new Renault Duster. The original Duster has a loyal fan base, and many owners like you are keen on the new model. While we are yet to drive it, the new Duster promises the same robust build and tough suspension that differentiated the original model. The interior will also retain the hardy character, though modern features will make it a nicer place to be.
What remains a question mark for now is the powertrains. The new Duster will not be offered with a diesel engine, and the only options will be a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol. How these engines work with the Duster is something we'll only know when we drive the SUV in the latter part of January 2026. Stay tuned for our review!
As for the Mahindra XUV 7XO, it's essentially an updated version of the current XUV700. The model will get a new look and feature upgrades, like a three-screen layout on top versions. The powertrains will be carried forward from the XUV 700, which is no bad thing because Mahindra's petrol and diesel engines are very impressive. Just how good the package is is something we'll know in early January over our test drive. Again, do stay tuned for the review!
Do note, the Duster and XUV 7XO sit in different segments. The XUV 7XO is significantly larger, will be roomier and also offers a third row of seats. The Duster, on the other hand, will be easier to live with in congested city conditions by virtue of its smaller size. PS - A three-row version of the Duster is also being readied for India for launch later in the year.
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Asked by: CHANDRASHEKARon Dec 24, 2025
I own a 2016 Renault Duster RxS diesel manual that has run 1.3 lakh km. My daily driving is around 40 km, with monthly trips of about 300 to 400 km. It is due for service, the suspension feels weak, and I may need to replace the clutch. The tyres were changed around four years ago, and it has only one airbag. Should I retain the car and carry out repairs, or opt for a new one? If buying new, should I go for petrol or diesel, considering my usage will reduce significantly over the next five years?
It's not worth holding on to your 2016 Renault Duster diesel MT as it is almost 10 years old and at 1,30,000km, has already lived its best life. As the model is long discontinued, parts availability will prove to be an issue in time; given its age, bigger issues will start to crop up (such as the suspension, as you have pointed out), and yes, it's not as safe as modern cars with higher mandated safety standards.
Apart from all this, with ever-tightening emissions regulations, an old diesel engine like the 1.5 K9K will become increasingly difficult in the future.
It's a great time for an upgrade, as there are many new models arriving soon. For one, the new-gen Renault Duster will arrive on January 26, and promises to have everything we loved about the old car with more creature comforts. It will no longer have a diesel engine, however, but given that your usage is going to be lower, it could work out just fine for you.
If you must still have a diesel, check out the new Kia Seltos, which will be launched on January 2, 2026. While not the most powerful engine, it is smooth and refined, and the Seltos, on the whole, is an excellent package.
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Asked by: Srjon Dec 11, 2025
Is it worth upgrading my Nissan Terrano, or should I buy a new car?
The Nissan Terrano is essentially a rebadged Renault Duster, and both models are now quite old. If you are happy with the car and its performance, you can consider upgrading to a new one. However, the Renault Duster will be making a return next month, and Nissan will also have its own version, which it calls the 'Tekton'.
We would recommend you wait to see those SUVs and then plan your new purchase.
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Asked by: Sivakannan Son Dec 11, 2025
I own a 2012 Swift diesel and have done 2.2 lakh km. I now want a bigger car and prefer a hybrid powertrain. I typically drive about 2,000 km per month. I was hoping the new Seltos would offer a hybrid, but it did not. Are there any upcoming hybrid launches I should wait for, or should I consider the Toyota Hyryder instead? I do not want another Maruti-branded model like the Grand Vitara or Victoris. My budget is 20-25 lakh. Please advise.
Since a hybrid SUV is your priority, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder would be your best option.
The Kia Seltos hybrid would be joining the lineup, but it is unclear as to when that would happen. The upcoming Renault Duster is also likely to feature a hybrid option, but there will be more clarity on that in the second half of 2026.
If you cannot wait for another year, the Toyota car is a good option to go with.
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Asked by: Rakesh Yadalamon Dec 10, 2025
I own a 2015 Hyundai Creta Diesel S+ and have driven it single-handedly for over 1,00,000 km across ten years. I want to replace it with a compact or full-size SUV and have shortlisted the Elevate, Aircross and the new Dustor. I have been evaluating other cars (Harrier, Hector, Victoris and the Tata Sierra) but none have satisfied me. My on-road budget in Bangalore is 20-25 lakh. Please help me choose.
A good option to also look at would be the newly unveiled Kia Seltos. It is a new generation model with a lot of changes, an upmarket cabin and even more features added. Kia has also retained the powertrain options so should you want a diesel, you can get that as well.
If you want a bigger SUV, the Mahindra XUV 700 will also be updated to the Mahindra XUV 7XO with a refreshed look and new features in January.
Although it is worth noting that the XUV will be pushing the Rs 25 lakh mark in terms of price. The Renault Duster is also an iconic model that is set to make a comeback next month so it is definitely worth waiting for.
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Asked by: Vamshion Dec 6, 2025
I own a 4th-generation Honda City, which is a very comfortable car. I am now looking to buy an SUV within a budget of Rs 18 to 21 lakh. I am interested in the Tata Harrier and Sierra, but I am concerned about Tataโs service issues. Should I wait for the new Kia and Duster? My monthly usage is around 1,500km. Should I go for petrol or diesel?
If your usage is as high as 1500km per month, you should definitely opt for a diesel SUV. That, unfortunately, rules out the new Renault Duster, as while promising the same robust feel with a more upmarket interior compared to the previous version, it will only be available with a petrol engine.
Yes, Tata Motors' service has historically been a cause for concern with owners in certain cities and at certain outlets, but Tata has stated that this year it has taken action to streamline its internal processes and clear bottlenecks in its service. One can hope, then, that by the time deliveries of the Tata Sierra begin, things will have improved. Do note that you will only get a low-spec variant of the Sierra diesel in your budget.
The new Kia Seltos, which will be revealed on December 10 and launched in early 2026, is definitely worth waiting for. It will not only be larger and more spacious than the current model, but it will also gain many new features. While the current model's petrol and diesel engines are expected to continue, hybrid versions are also expected to join the range further down the line.
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Asked by: Chandraon Dec 5, 2025
Hi, I'm planning to buy my first car. I drive about 1500-1800 km per month (80% city). My budget is about 15 -17 lakhs. I'm so confused between Nexon, XUV 3XO, Venue, and all of the diesel automatic variants. I'm open to hybrid variants as well. My priorities are: safety, fuel efficiency, comfort & features. Also thinking about Sierra & Duster of automatic variants. Please suggest a good one. Thank you.
Since you drive 50โ60km a day (about 1,500โ1,800km a month), itโs understandable that you want something efficient and economical to run. A hybrid would normally make sense, but the Maruti Suzuki strong hybrids (Grand Vitara / Victoris) and the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder sit above your budget. More importantly, with your running, it would still take years to recover the higher upfront cost of the hybrid powertrain.
The upcoming Renault Duster is promising, but will launch only with petrol engines โ no diesel and no hybrid โ so fuel efficiency wonโt match a diesel automatic in daily city use. As for the Tata Sierra, itโs a very appealing SUV thanks to its design, space, and premium cabin. However, the 1.5 diesel in the Sierra isnโt the most refined or punchy in the segment, and the pricing of the higher variants, especially the autos, will stretch well past the upper end of your budget. Also, the Sierra is more of a lifestyle SUV than an efficiency-focused one.
Given your budget and priorities โ safety, fuel efficiency, comfort, and features โ a diesel compact SUV still fits best. Rear-seat space is not a big concern since youโll mostly be driving yourself, so you donโt need to pay extra for a larger mid-size SUV.
Among your shortlist, the recently launched Hyundai Venue 1.5 diesel automatic is the most balanced choice. It offers:
- Excellent fuel efficiency
- Strong, relaxed performance
- Smooth and city-friendly automatic
- Long feature list that rivals larger SUVs
- Proven safety and reliability
Overall, the Venue diesel auto gives you the best combination of economy, comfort, and everyday usability within your budget.
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Asked by: Saileshon Dec 3, 2025
I want to buy my first car. My preference is an SUV or compact SUV suitable for five adults including the driver, with an automatic gearbox and a 5-star safety rating. My annual driving will be 25,000 to 30,000 km, with 80 percent of the driving on highways or off-road. My budget is Rs 16.5 lakh on-road in Hyderabad. Please suggest a car.
The car best suited to your needs is the Mahindra Thar Roxx. It's spacious for five and has a 5-star Bharat NCAP crash test rating, and includes ADAS with Level 2 Autonomous driving, which could come in handy on your highway drives.
Most importantly, it is a tough, ladder-frame SUV with robust suspension that is very well suited to rough roads and off-road driving, even if you choose the 4x2 version.
However, an automatic version will stretch the limits of your Rs 16.5 lakh on road budget, and you might have to spend a bit more to get more features.
Additionally, if you can wait a bit, the new Renault Duster is going to be launched in India on January 26, 2026, which promises to have the same tough construction as the previous version, and is likely to have a price tag lower than the Thar Roxx. It might be worth the wait.
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Asked by: Dhruvon Dec 2, 2025
I am from Himachal and currently own a 4th-gen Honda City. It is very comfortable but sometimes hard to manage in the mountains. I am looking to upgrade to a rugged SUV/Jeep. I test-drove the Thar Roxx and loved the go-anywhere feel, but the lack of thigh support at the front is a deal-breaker for me. The Innova HyCross offers ideal comfort for my family and me, but an MPV feels too large for my liking, and I do not need the extra two seats. Please give some recommendations.
If you are happy with the Honda experience, you should consider the Elevate. It scores very well on seat comfort and also has other pluses like good ground clearance and a robust build. The suspension can also take quite a beating and is something that you will appreciate, especially on rough roads in the hills.
The engine is adequate but doesnโt have the punch of a turbo engine in case.
The engine is adequate but doesnโt have the punch of a turbo engine in case.
Alternatively, you could wait for the new Renault Duster that will go on sale in early 2026. The Duster is a tough amd hardy crossover, and the new one that will be offered with turbo-petrol engines should also satisfy with performance.
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Asked by: Asheesh shahon Dec 1, 2025
I am almost about to buy the Renault Kiger Techno CVT automatic, but I do not see it ranking very high in terms of sales or overall ratings, which makes me nervous. Should I still go for it, or should I buy the manual version for now and continue searching for something better?
If you are happy with the Renault Kiger, there is no reason not to consider purchasing it. Yes, the sales are low compared to other models; however, this is more to do with a low brand strength than any fundamental product problem.
Renault is also investing a lot in India and next year will have an all new Duster as well as a 7-seat version of the same. So if anything, the brand should only get stronger. As for the CVT, you have picked a good version as it comes mated to the turbo engine. This powertrain is lively and fun to drive, and smoother than the non-turbo AMT model.
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