The new Duster is powered by two advanced E20-compatible turbo-petrol engines for a perfect mix of efficiency and punch.

The entry-level TCe 100 is a responsive 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit producing 99 hp at 5,000 rpm and 166 Nm of torque from 2,000-3,750 rpm, paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission.

For stronger performance, the flagship TCe 160 features a 1.3-litre four-cylinder delivering 161 hp at 5,250 rpm and a muscular 280 Nm between 2,000-3,500 rpm, available with a 6-speed manual or the refined 6-speed DCT with e-shifter and paddle shifters.

ARAI-certified mileage figures for the Turbo TCe 160 engine show the DCT automatic returning 18.45 km/l, while the 6-speed manual delivers 17.75 km/l, both figures comfortably class-leading for a 161 hp turbo-petrol SUV. Renault attributes the strong efficiency to low-friction coatings and high-pressure fuel injection to optimise combustion and efficiency.

Renault has not announced the ARAI fuel efficiency figures for the smaller 1.0-litre turbo petrol unit yet.

Also note that the upcoming strong-hybrid E-Tech 160 (1.8-litre + battery) is expected to deliver significantly higher efficiency when it arrives later in 2026.

The cabin of the new Duster has been completely transformed for a more premium and comfortable experience. The base variants feature black seat upholstery with grey stitches, deep grey dashboard wraps with silver finish, 7-inch TFT driver display, manual AC with rear vents, sliding armrest, and 60/40 split rear seats.

Moving upward, tech includes a large 10.1-inch openR Link multimedia system with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, Arkamys 6-speaker audio, electrically adjustable mirrors, and parcel shelf.

From mid variant upward, cabin upgrades to brown upholstery with wood accents, automatic dual-zone climate control, electric panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, cooled storage (DCT), and sunvisors with illumination.

Following up, top variants elevate the luxury with mountain jade leatherette seats, ventilated and electrically adjustable front seats with lumbar support, 10.25-inch TFT driver display, full Google built-in system, 48-colour ambient lighting, Multi-Sense drive modes, PM 2.5 filter with ioniser, rain-sensing wipers, and premium Arkamys auditorium sound system.

Rounding up, all variants get practical touches like glovebox illumination, luggage lamps, coat hooks, and multiple USB-C ports.

The new Duster features a bold, muscular design where its signature grille with prominent Duster emblem, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lamps, and high-mounted stop lamp are standard. Meanwhile, the higher variants add full LED headlamps, LED front fog lamps, puddle lamps, LED rear fog lamps, and a striking horizontal rear light bar.

Complementing the exterior lighting, the profile is defined by 17-inch steel or “Ocean” alloy wheels come on lower and mid variants, while top variants get stylish 18-inch “Outback” diamond-cut or “Adventure” black alloys. Black fixed roof rails (50 kg capacity), rear roof spoiler, shark-fin antenna, front & rear skid plates, and reinforced wheel arches enhance the SUV's rugged appeal.

The top variant further differentiates itself through specialized detailing, such as Himalayan-inspired side embellishers, specific yellow door decals on roof bars, and unique yellow accents on the Duster emblem.

Lastly, available exterior color options include six monotone shades, namely Jade Mountain Green (also referred to as Mountain Jade Green or Mountain Green), Stealth Black, Sunset Red, Moonlight Silver, River Blue, Pearl White

Safety has been given high priority across the entire Duster range. Every variant comes standard with 6 airbags (driver, passenger, side & curtain), ABS with EBD & brake assist, electronic stability program, traction control, cornering stability control, tyre pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX child-seat anchors, 3-point seat belts for all seats, seat-belt reminders, rear occupant alert, and speed alert warning.

Building on this core foundation, higher variants add ADAS features, including blind spot warning, 360° around view 3D camera, adaptive cruise control with stop & go (DCT only), active emergency braking with pedestrian/cyclist detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, driver attention alert, traffic sign recognition, distance warning, automatic high/low beam, hill descent control, and my safety switch.

Additional standard features include rear parking camera and front & side parking sensors on select variants, including emergency stop signal, impact-sensing door unlock, and rear door child lock.

The new Duster faces stiff competition from three rivals – Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.

The Creta offeers a broader range of powertrain options, including a diesel engine, along with the backing of a more extensive service network. Conversely, the Duster provides higher ground clearance (212 mm vs. 190 mm), a larger boot capacity (up to 518 litres vs. 433 litres), and higher torque output from its turbo-petrol engine (up to 280 Nm).

Compared to the Duster, the Seltos differentiates itself by providing a wider array of transmission options and a higher density of interior cabin features. Whereas the Duster features higher ground clearance, a larger boot capacity, and higher torque figures, while offering comparable modern equipment like dual screens and ADAS.

The Grand Vitara offers availability of strong-hybrid and mild-hybrid powertrains, a factory-fitted CNG option, and Maruti Suzuki's expansive service network. The Duster stands out with its higher ground clearance and higher torque outputs from its turbo-petrol engines.