Renault-Nissan has confirmed not one but three products for the Indian market. The car manufacturer has planned to invest $500 million over a course of time for its new lineup. The 3 cars include the return of the Renault Duster, a Renault Triber-based 7-seater MPV, and also a new electric car. The Duster could possibly hit Indian roads by the year 2024-25.
It would be a localized product based on the newly developed CMF-B modular platform, specifically designed for the Indian market. The same platform will also be employed in Nissan's new 7-seater SUV.
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Renault Duster To Be Based On Dacia Duster
According to the reports, the new-gen Duster will be based on the new Dacia Bigster Concept that broke cover back in 2021. The design and styling will be taking cues from the Bigster. The SUV is expected to continue a bold fender lining and tall bonnet stance. The discontinued Duster had a muscular bodyline and well-defined headlamps. The upcoming generation will be bigger in dimensions.
However, the production model will be skipping the flashiness of the BIgster concept. This is nothing new as we have seen in the past concepts as well.
Features And Engine
The new Duster would be a more spacious and feature-rich offering from the carmaker who is looking to recreate the success they had with the earlier generation. Features like the digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, and wireless android auto/apple carplay, could very well be integrated.
The engine specifications haven't been specified, but there could be an AWD option available as well. When launched, it will directly rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, MG Hector, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos, and the Volkswagen Taigun.
VERDICT - The Renault Duster return will ruffle some feathers of the rivals in the segment. The New Duster will likely be a little better upgrade than the previous generation. Also, the success enjoyed by the Duster in the Indian market could potentially risk the popularity of the rival compact SUVs. Likely to hit the roads in 2024-25, Renault will be eyeing the spot of Hyundai Creta for the throne.
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