A new powertrain along with CMF-B platform might be the talking point of new Renault Duster comeback that is likely to happen in coming years
With Mahindra-Renault alliance hitting rock bottom, it was Duster that launched Renault in India for good. It is also credited with kickstarting the compact SUV segment that we know today. Recent report suggests Dacia is debuting new Duster globally on November 29th, 2023, somewhere in Europe. This vehicle will get Renault branding too and is likely to launch in India by the end of 2024 or early 2025.
New Renualt Duster Global Debut On November 29th
Due to dwindling sales and a combination of factors, Renault axed the Duster in India. It was not for lack of trying though. Renault introduced 4WD, independent rear suspension and offered multiple facelifts for 1st gen model. At the end of its lifecycle, Duster even got a 1.3L turbo petrol that also powers lower-tier Mercedes-Benz cars.
Renault and Nissan’s next phase of investments is said to be primarily concentrated on development of a brand new CMF-B platform that will underpin future Renault and Nissan cars. Upcoming CMF-B platform will underpin the new already testing Renault Duster and a 7-seater, which will be the production version of Renault Bigster concept.
Since CMF-B has an electric derivative named CMF-B EV, we can see Renault and Nissan launching EVs on this platform too.
Renault Duster Comeback Likely To Happen
Till now, Renault and Nissan based their mainstream compact SUVs on M0 platform (B0 in some markets like India). This includes Duster and Captur by Renault and Terrano and Kicks by Nissan. They were in their prime at launch and their popularity declined with time as more rivals sprung up with more modern platforms.
Currently, Renault and Nissan base their products like Triber, Kiger and Magnite on CMF-A platform. Nissan is launching a sub 4m MPV based on Magnite too. Now that Renault has axed operations in Russia and China, Can India be the next big thing for manufacturing and exports for Renault and Nissan? Only time will tell.
Powertrains & Launch
There are three likely powertrain options that may grace the new Renault Duster – a 1.0L turbo petrol with up to 120 bhp, a 1.2L hybrid petrol with up to 140 bhp and a 1.3L turbo petrol unit that will kick out segment-leading 170 bhp. Tata’s upcoming Curvv SUV may debut the company’s new 1.5L GDI turbo petrol expected to dish out 170 bhp too.
Renault and Nissan have been testing various powertrains in the past. We have spotted Renault Arkana, Renault Koleos, Nissan Leaf and Nissan X-Trail. These vehicles were undisguised and were probably testing a new powertrain for feasibility for India.
This roadmap might stretch till 2024 and beyond. In the meantime, Renault and Nissan might bring in CBU vehicles to fill the gap. Something like Nissan Ariya, was spotted testing in India with camouflage. Nissan recently announced that it is considering launching X-Trail, Qashqai and Juke. Renault Duster comeback is likely to take shape in 2024 or beyond.
