Latest news with #RenaultDuster
India Today
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
Renault Duster and Bigster: Launch and more details of Renault's comeback cars in India
Renault was the one company that created the mid-size SUV in India with the Renault Duster. While it was a runaway success, the Duster faded out as it never got the upgrade it needed to tackle competition like the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos, among other SUVs. Quite obviously, sales declined, and eventually the Duster went off the showroom floor. Ever since then, the company has been banking on models like the Renault Kwid, Renault Kiger and the Renault Triber. But quite simply, that is not going to be enough for the company. They need a powerhouse product. They need the Duster and more to be back, and that is exactly what the company is all set to do. Both the Duster and the Bigster will share the same CMF-B platform. advertisementAt the recent inauguration of their new design studio in Chennai, the company confirmed that alongside the Duster, Renault has ambitious plans to launch five new vehicles in the next two years, including an electric vehicle designed for both Indian and global markets. So the Duster with be the first to be re-launched, and it will be followed by a seven-seater variant of the same in a few months. Something like what Hyundai offers with the Hyundai Creta and the Hyundai Alcazar. But let's delve into the details of these SUVs and see what they promise to Duster: What to expect? The new Duster features a modern look but still retains the rugged design DNA. advertisementThe new-generation Duster is an all-new SUV, and as a result, it is based on a new CMF-B platform that will also underpin the larger 7-seat version of the SUV. On the CMF-B platform, the All-New Duster has more space for passengers and luggage than the previous generation, while maintaining the same overall length of 4,340mm. The new Duster features a modern look but still retains the rugged design DNA as seen in the older versions. Inside, the SUV will come with modern touches like a large infotainment system, a digital instrument panel and modern climate control system. Renault will also load the Duster with ADAS among a plethora of other safety features. When it comes to powertrains, the new Duster will come with petrol and diesel engines and CNG and mild-hybrid options are also said to be on cards. The CNG variants could very well be retrofit kits that would be done at dealership level as the company had done some time back with Kwid, Kiger and Triber. As for the specifications, the international model is offered with three engine options. This includes a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol mill, 1.2-litre petrol-hybrid, and a 1.6-litre Bigster: Details of the 7-seat variant While the Bigster is based on the same platform as the Duster, the SUV is longer than the Duster by 227mm. The Bigster has also been revealed internationally and there are speculations that it will be called the Boreal in India. While the Bigster is based on the same platform as the Duster, the SUV is longer than the Duster by 227mm. The wheelbase of the Bigster stands at 2,702mm which again is longer than the Duster's wheelbase by 45mm. Inside the Bigster will come with three-row seating with the third row being the one that will allow a folding feature. Boot space of the Bigster is rated at 677 litres. Boot space of the Bigster is rated at 677 litres as compared to the Duster's 560 litres. Needless to say, both SUVs will allow a folding feature on the rear seats. We believe that the SUVs will share engine and transmission options as Duster and Bigster: When will Renault launch them? Both the SUVs will likely share engine and transmission options. Renault is currently completing the acquisition of the alliance plant in Chennai. The company is quite clear that starting the first quarter of next year, it will start launches of new vehicles starting with the Duster. The Bigster will follow in the next couple of months. These SUVs will have to take on the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Astor, Honda Elevate, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq and the Tata to Auto Today Magazine
IOL News
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
New Renault Duster has a cool factor of note, but here's why the Chinese are eating its lunch
The third-generation Renault Duster has a more confident appearance. Image: Supplied I always admired the Renault Duster and its no-nonsense approach. Amid seemingly every other manufacturer's efforts to gentrify the SUV, the Duster stood out as an egalitarian hero. Created in Romania by Renault's Dacia brand, the original Duster was designed to be one of the most affordable SUVs in the world. It was the kind of vehicle you could throw the dogs into without worrying about scratches on the diamond-stitched faux Nappa leather, or embark on any adventure of your choice without too much concern about how your muddy gear would ruin the cabin. It also had an extremely frugal 1.5-litre diesel engine, which was gutsier than its outputs suggested. The second iteration of the Duster was very much a rinse and repeat of that and now we have the third-generation model in local showrooms. At 4,343mm, the new Duster is slightly longer than its predecessor. Image: Supplied It's actually quite a looker in my opinion. You might have accused the first two of being a little bland, but this latest redesign has given it some attitude. As a result it appears really comfortable in its own skin and confident in its brand identity. There are two problems, though. Gone is the diesel, which is not too surprising, given how European manufacturers have largely abandoned this engine type at the lower end of the market due to emissions laws. But it's not very affordable anymore, with the 1.3-litre turbopetrol Zen priced at R489,999 and the 1.3T Intens listed at R519,999, while the 1.2T mild hybrid manual 4x4 that we tested recently costs R549,999. By comparison, the similarly sized Chery Tiggo Cross is priced from R399,900 to R449,900, while the Haval Jolion Pro costs between R391,150 and R519,950, the latter as an ultra-luxurious genuine hybrid. Even the larger Toyota Corolla Cross is somewhat more affordable, with its window stickers ranging from R414,800 to R561,700. By all means, the spirit of the original Duster is very much inherent in the latest version, as it feels hardy and very well put together. Practical cabin The cabin has a pleasant design and is practical and user-friendly, now featuring a larger 10.1-inch infotainment screen and 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster. But there are some strange omissions, such as the lack of volume knob, meaning adjustments must be made via controls on the side of the steering wheel or via small buttons on top of the touchscreen. The new cabin boasts a neater design but the materials are still of the cost-cutting variety. Image: Supplied But the interior plastics mostly appear to be of the cost-cutting variety, and our test car creaked and rattled occasionally while driving. One redeeming feature was the powertrain. The 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which is paired with a 48-volt electrical system, feels sophisticated and refined. Particularly when compared to its Chinese rivals, which still feel a little rough around the edges when it comes to drivetrain refinement. Comparatively, the Duster is also fairly economical, with our on-board readout showing 8.2 litres per 100km after a few days of purely urban driving. The manual gearbox did feel somewhat notchy, and we feel that buyers in this segment would surely prefer an auto. Thankfully, the 1.3T non-hybrid Duster models do feature a seven-speed dual-clutch autobox. It's decent off the beaten track The Duster does have an ace up its sleeve for those who want to venture off the beaten track. The option of four-wheel drive is quite rare in this segment, and although it's not a 'proper' off-roader like the Jimny, the Duster 4WD will still tackle far more challenging terrain than your average urban SUV. The ground clearance of 217mm is certainly generous, and the 4WD Terrain Control system offers five modes, these being Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, Off-Road and Eco. It also has downhill speed control for those steeper slopes, although the somewhat innovative 'low' first gear on the earlier Dusters, which mimicked low-range to a degree, is no longer there. What you get as standard In order to keep pricing from being even higher, Renault offers the 4WD in Zen trim only, but it is more luxurious than the name implies. Standard features include 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, modular roof bars, 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Wireless Smartphone Replication, 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, reverse camera, automatic climate control, auto wipers and six airbags. For the record, the Intens spec specification grade (2WD only) adds to that 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, 360 View camera, wireless phone charging, Arkamys 3D sound system and an advanced Driver Assist system (ADAS) that includes Blind Spot Detection. VERDICT In 4WD form the new Renault Duster does have a unique selling point in its off-road ability, and it has the cool factor to match, with its stylish new design, while the cabin is suitably practical and feels durable. But it has become somewhat more expensive, and in this age of cut-price Chinese SUVs that offer oodles of luxury, the Duster simply feels a bit out of touch. Which is a pity, because it is still a very likeable vehicle. But it's not necessarily Renault SA's fault, as importing vehicles from Europe has become really expensive. One potential silver lining is that the Duster is expected to go into production in India from 2026, and if the local importer is able to source from there at a more competitive price at some point in the future, the Duster could certainly find itself back in the game!
Hindustan Times
01-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Three of family killed, two seriously injured as car crushed between trucks on Mumbai-Ahm Hwy
PALGHAR: Three members of a family, including a 43-year-old man, his wife, and his mother, were killed and two others sustained serious injuries after their car was crushed between two heavy vehicles on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway near Wada Khadkona village, Palghar around 11.30 am on Saturday. According to the police, the family was travelling towards Mumbai in a Renault Duster when the car collided with a container truck that had abruptly braked near the end of the Mendhwan Ghat section. Moments later, a silo truck following the Duster rammed into it from behind, leaving the vehicle severely damaged. The deceased have been identified as Clayton Valles, 43, his wife Fabiola Valles, 45, and his mother Gloria Valles, 73. Clayton's father, Henan Valles, 63, and nine-year-old son, Redan, sustained serious injuries and were initially treated at a private hospital in Manor before being shifted to Mumbai in the evening. The family, residents of IC Colony in Borivali, was returning from Daman after attending a family function when the accident occurred. Police said the accident happened on a slope near Hotel Manor Gate, a known accident-prone stretch. Inspector Ranvir Bayes of Manor police station said the Duster was completely crushed and it took nearly 90 minutes for rescue teams to cut through the wreckage and recover the bodies. Redan has suffered fractures to his arm and leg and also sustained facial injuries, while Henan received multiple facial wounds. Initial reports suggested that ongoing roadwork may have led to the sudden braking by the container truck, but National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) official Suhas Chitnis denied that any repair work was underway at the time. Police officials said the site is a designated accident black spot and that further investigations would be conducted to determine the exact cause of the crash. Superintendent of Police Yatish Deshmukh visited the site and said authorities would check whether proper signage and safety measures were in place. Regular commuters on the stretch said that no precautionary signage was visible other than a black spot board, and suggested that rumble strips and warning signs should be installed well in advance. In a previous fatal accident along the same highway stretch near Charoti, industrialist Cyrus Mistry was killed on September 4, 2022, after a vehicle crash involving sudden lane merging. Commuters and officials have raised concerns over the increasing number of serious accidents following recent white-topping work along the Virar-Talasari section.
Hindustan Times
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Nissan India plans four new models including C-SUV, Triber-based MPV and mass-market EV
Nissan Motor India is commited to its previously announced plans for India and will be launching four new cars including a B-segment MPV based on the Renault Triber platform. Check Offers Nissan India recently reaffirmed its commitment to previously announced plans for the Indian market. Speaking at a recent press conference, Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, emphasised that India remains a key market for the company and that its previously disclosed product strategy remains on track. Nissan India had earlier announced that it will be launching a new seven-seater B-segment MPV as part of its future lineup in the country. This takes the upcoming product pipeline to a total of four new models, including a five-seater and a seven-seater C-SUV alongside a mass-market EV. Nissan has stated that the B-MPV, as well as the five-seater C-SUV, are currently in the pre-production phase, and both will be launched in 2026. With development underway, let us take a look at what's expected from Nissan in the coming years: Renault Triber-based seven-seater B-MPV: The first of the upcoming cars from Nissan will be a seven-seater B-MPV based on the Renault Triber while carrying a unique design. Nissan will kick things off with the upcoming B-segment MPV, expected to launch in early 2026. This three-row seven-seater will be based on the CMF-A+ platform that currently underpins the Renault Triber. However, it is being positioned as a standalone model rather than a simple rebadged iteration, and Nissan has stated it will bring a distinct design and interior. This MPV is expected to carry over the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder that powers the Triber with 71 bhp and 96 Nm of torque, mated to either a five-speed manual or automatic. Renault Duster-based five-seater C-SUV: Nissan is also developing a five-seater mid-size SUV for India. Based on the CMF-B platform, it shares its underpinnings with the Renault Duster with a distinctive exterior and interior design. The second model from Nissan to hit the streets will be a five-seater C-segment SUV, expected to launch later in 2026. This SUV will be based on the CMF-B platform that underpins the Renault Duster. The automaker says the model will borrow design cues from the globally available Nissan Patrol and will offer a high approach and departure angle. The upcoming mid-size SUV will take on the likes of the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. It will be manufactured locally at Nissan's Chennai plant and is expected to carry over the 1.2-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid that drives the Duster. Dacia Bigster-based seven-seater C-SUV: Nissan will follow up the MPV and the C-SUV with the launch of a seven-seater SUV, expected to launch by 2027. This model will be based on a longer wheelbase version of the CMF-B platform that underpins the Dacia Bigster, a stretched-out iteration of the Duster. However, Nissan has confirmed that the model will feature a distinctive exterior and interior design and will not be just a stretched-out version. It is expected to be positioned against premium seven-seater SUVs such as the Hyundai Alcazar and the MG Hector Plus. Also Read : Nissan India remains steadfast on commitments despite shift in global strategy Mass-market EV: While ICE-powered models are the name of the game, Nissan has also confirmed that it will be launching an affordable electric car for the Indian market. Now, Renault has been working on a mass-market Kwid EV for some time, and it is expected to be rebadged for the Japanese automaker. The Kwid EV is itself based on the Dacia Spring EV, which is powered by a 26.8 kWh battery, promising a single-charge range of up to 225 km. It comes with features such as a 10.1-inch infotainment display, a 7-inch digital cluster, ADAS, and more. While Nissan is expected to launch its EV by 2027, an official timeline is not available at present. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 30 May 2025, 14:17 PM IST
NDTV
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
Renault, Nissan To Launch New SUVs To Rival Hyundai Creta
Renault and Nissan are poised to mark their presence with the launch of new products in India's competitive midsize SUV segment, currently dominated by the Hyundai Creta. Both automakers plan to launch their respective competitors to the Creta in quick succession, with the goal of capturing a substantial share of the market. The upcoming Renault and Nissan SUVs will be built on the CMF-B platform, developed by the Renault-Nissan alliance. This platform is known for its versatility and will serve as the foundation for both the new Renault Duster and Nissan's yet-to-be-named SUV. Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Dzire Ditches AMT For CVT, But There's A Catch Renault has unveiled the new Duster in the international market, which features 18-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional features include satellite navigation, a wireless phone charger, and USB-C ports. However, unlike many rivals, the Duster does not offer a panoramic sunroof or even a standard sunroof. It appears that Renault may be working on an Indian version that will include a sunroof. The Renault Duster is set to return to Indian showrooms with its third generation, showcasing a bold design. The new model measures 4,343 mm in length, 1,921 mm in width, and 1,616 mm in height. It features a wheelbase of 2,657 mm and provides a ground clearance of 209 mm for the front-wheel-drive (FWD) version and 217 mm for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version. The new Duster is equipped with six airbags, a driver fatigue detection system, Lane Change Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, and Traffic Sign Recognition with Speed Alerts. However, it does lack a surround-view monitor. The Duster is expected to be powered by a 1.3-liter turbocharged petrol engine that produces around 154 hp and 254 Nm of torque. Buyers will have the option of a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT, with an AWD option available. The launch of the all-new Duster in India is anticipated as early as January 2026, followed closely by Nissan's similar model. Unlike the Terrano, the new Duster will feature a completely different exterior design. Nissan's teasers suggest that their upcoming SUV will resemble the seventh-generation Patrol, which was unveiled in September of last year. The design will feature sharp lines in the headlights, grille, lower air intake, and bumpers. While the interior may not be as distinctive, it is expected to stand out more than the Terrano's design.
