Renault Duster ‘Soul of Dakar’ Edition Unveiled: Hybrid SUV Launching in India by 2025
French automaker Renault’s sister company, Dacia, unveiled the Soul of Dakar edition of the new-generation Duster on December 9. This showcase car was revealed to officially celebrate the brand, and the CEO hinted that a similar model could make its way to showrooms.
Global Launch Planned for New Duster
Last November, the company officially unveiled the new Duster, which is being prepared for a global launch, including in India. The new Duster will feature a hybrid engine option. Recently, its right-hand drive model was also unveiled.
Renault to Launch New-Gen Duster in India by 2025
Renault plans to launch the new-generation Duster under its own brand in the Indian market in the second half of 2025. Renault initially launched the first-generation Duster in India in 2012 but discontinued it in early 2022. It was Renault’s first model in the compact SUV segment in India.
New-Gen Duster: Platform, Dimensions, and Exterior Design
The new-generation Duster is based on the CMF-B platform, jointly developed by Dacia, Renault, and Nissan. The new Duster retains its rugged off-road appeal with a bold look, reminiscent of the Dacia Bigster concept model.
The car looks more aggressive than before, featuring Y-shaped LED headlights, vertical air intakes, redesigned front bumpers with skid plates, a newly designed bonnet, squared wheel arches, and V-shaped taillights.
Design Tweaks Expected for Indian Launch
When the Renault-branded Duster SUV debuts in India next year, some design changes are expected. The car will be available in both 5-seat and 7-seat options. Its length has been increased to 4,340 mm, while the wheelbase has been reduced to 2,657 mm.
Interior Design of the New Renault Duster
The new Duster features a dual-layer dashboard in light and dark gray shades. The center console is slightly angled toward the driver. Higher variants will include two digital screens: a 7-inch driver display and a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. Below the central AC vents, a horizontal panel houses multiple buttons for infotainment and HVAC controls.
A 12V power socket and USB outlet are provided at the base. The gear lever in the manual transmission variant appears to be borrowed from existing Renault models and resembles the one in the Kiger and Triber. Higher variants will offer automatic gearbox options and electronic parking brakes. The three-spoke steering wheel is hefty and features controls for infotainment, telephony, and cruise control.
Top-Spec Duster Features
Top-spec models will offer features like wireless charging, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, automatic climate control, and an ArcGIS 3D sound system with six speakers. Safety features will include ADAS technologies like automatic emergency braking.
Engine Options for the New Duster
The upcoming SUV will offer three engine options and off-road capabilities. It may include a 1.3-liter turbo petrol engine generating 154 bhp, a 1.0-liter turbo petrol engine, and a 1.2-liter hybrid petrol engine delivering 170 bhp and 200 Nm peak torque. These engines will be paired with a 5-speed gearbox.
Expected Price of the New Renault Duster
According to media reports, the new Duster is expected to launch at a price of around ₹20 lakh. It will compete with models like Hyundai Creta, Tata Harrier, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder in the Indian market.
