Renault Duster (2026)

• The Duster 2026 features a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine, dubbed Turbo TCe 160 by Renault, delivering 160bhp of power and 280Nm of torque.

• This powertrain comes equipped with a six-speed manual or DCT transmission options for a stronger highway driving experience. We tested the manual version.

• Being a four-cylinder turbo engine, it's extremely refined with no vibrations at idle or low speed, and the clutch also feels light with good travel.

  

• It gets two driving modes, Eco and Comfort. Eco softens the throttle while comfort works greatly across city and highway conditions. It also adjusts the steering weight for further engagement.

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• Renault Duster Driving Experience & Ride Quality

  But the real excitement begins when the Duster is pushed harder. The SUV truly comes alive with a satisfying rumble, as the turbocharger delivers a strong kick at higher revs. The power delivery feels linear and consistent, making acceleration predictable yet thrilling.

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  The manual gearbox adds to the driving pleasure, offering smooth and precise shifts. Combined with refined performance and strong mid-to-high range power, the Duster delivers an engaging experience that truly appeals to driving enthusiasts.

  At lower speeds in city conditions, the suspension feels slightly firm. However, it never becomes uncomfortable—instead, it provides a sense of solid road feedback. This setup proves beneficial on rough and uneven roads, where the Duster maintains stability and composure with ease.

  When tackling twisty roads or elevation changes, the SUV holds its line confidently. The handling feels planted and controlled, allowing drivers to enjoy corners without hesitation.

In terms of refinement, NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels are well managed. Vibrations are minimal and only noticeable at higher revs, while road and wind noise remain effectively controlled, ensuring a comfortable cabin experience.

• The new-generation Duster 2026 features a 10.1-inch infotainment display alongside a new 10.25-inch driver's display. The infotainment experience is enhanced by the OpenR multimedia with built-in Google.

• The Duster, unlike its international variants, has been blessed with a massive panoramic sunroof for the Indian market.

• The Duster's centre console is raised and houses a wireless smartphone charger easily accessible to both front occupants.

• It gets a 360-degree camera system, a new multi-speaker system, and connected car tech features.

• As for comfort, the front seats are six-way powered and ventilated with dual-zone climate controls.

• Other Duster features include 48-ambient light options, a PM 2.5 AQI filter and 518-litres of boot space.

• The Renault Duster gets multiple airbags and an ADAS system with 17 features, including lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition.

• It gets a 360-degree camera system with a 3D view to help navigate tight spaces and improve the driver's positional awareness.

• Renault says the car has been engineered to achieve a 5 star GNCAP crash test rating