Renault Duster is ready to come with affordable automatic and strong hybrid plans

Renault is preparing to launch affordable automatic and strong hybrid variants of the Duster SUV in India. Stephane Deblaise, Renault Group India's chief executive, announced these plans during a media drive for the 1.0-litre Duster. He confirmed that 2025 will see a significant wave of new product launches as Renault aims to increase its market share in India.

Key Highlights

• Renault to launch affordable automatic and strong hybrid Duster variants in India by 2025
• 1.3-litre Duster automatic starts at Rs 14.49 lakh with new affordable option planned
• Renault dispatched 5,028 Duster units between March and May 2024
• Seven new Renault models planned in India by 2030 on two platforms

Upcoming Duster Variants

The new Renault Duster lineup will soon include an affordable automatic transmission variant with paddle shifters. This model will fill the gap between the manual versions and the existing 1.3-litre dual-clutch automatic, which starts at an ex-showroom price of Rs 14.49 lakh. Deblaise did not disclose the specific engine or gearbox details for the new automatic variant.

He explained that the automatic was not part of the original plan when the Duster launched in March 2024. However, customer demand highlighted the need for a more accessible automatic option.

Renault has taken a measured approach to the Duster's rollout. The company first introduced the 163 HP 1.3-liter version, followed by the 1.0-litre model. The 1.8-litre strong hybrid, expected to launch by Diwali, will join the range once it is ready. Deblaise emphasized that Renault prefers a gradual recovery, stating, "You don't go back from hibernation to summer in one day."

Sales Performance and Market Comparison

Between March and May, Renault dispatched 5,028 Duster units. Monthly wholesales were 1,402 in March, 2,359 in April, and 1,267 in May. Dispatches began in the second half of March, and April was the first full month of sales. Despite these figures, the Duster's initial sales trailed behind competitors like the Tata Sierra and second-generation Kia Seltos. The Sierra and Seltos launched with order books exceeding 100,000 units and saw launch dispatches of 7,003 and 10,639 units, respectively.

Renault's Broader India Strategy

Renault plans to introduce seven models in India by 2030, built on two new platforms. The rebranded RGEP entry platform will bring new engines and a factory-fitted CNG option to models such as the Kwid, Triber, and Kiger. Deblaise, who became CEO in September 2023, has unified Renault's three Indian entities—sales, engineering, and manufacturing. This change aims to improve market understanding and response times.

Renault's Chennai engineering base, the group's largest outside France, is developing global platforms and technologies. The company targets €2 billion in annual exports from India by 2030. This includes vehicles like the Bridger SUV, which is designed and built in India for global markets, with deliveries expected by late 2027.

Also Read: Renault Duster 1.0 turbo petrol delivers 19.41 kmpl ARAI mileage boost

CarBike 360 Says

​Renault’s strategy to bring an affordable automatic and a strong hybrid version of the Duster signals a well-calculated comeback in India’s competitive SUV market. By balancing modern technology with cost efficiency, the brand aims to attract both urban buyers and enthusiasts, making the upcoming Duster a highly anticipated and potentially game-changing launch in 2025.