Next-Gen Renault Duster likely to come in both 5 and 7-seater configurations; The 7-seater SUV will rival the likes of Mahindra XUV700 and Hyundai Alcazar
Earlier in February 2023, the Renault-Nissan alliance committed to investing around Rs. 4000 crores for introducing new products in India. Under this new future plan, a total of 6 new models will be launched in the domestic market. Amongst these, the next-gen Renault Duster is the most prominent product for the alliance and its first-generation model established the Renault brand in the country back in 2013.
For reference, this will be the third generation of the Duster nameplate as the second-gen model was not introduced here. In the most recent development, the test mule of the upcoming next-gen Duster was spied during test runs. The spy images suggest that its design is inspired by the Dacia Bigster Concept SUV, which was unveiled in 2021. Based on the CMF-B modular platform, the SUV will have both 5 and 7-seater options.
This will enable the company to capture a wider market share, in turn enhancing the overall sales potential. While the 5-seater option will target the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, MG Astor and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, the 7-seater SUV will square off with Mahindra XUV700, Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector Plus and Tata Safari.
The five- and seven-seater versions are expected to have visual differences between each other and the latter will apparently be bigger to accommodate more occupants. The next-gen Renault Duster will have larger dimensions than the outgoing model as well and thus it will definitely have a more appealing road presence.
In addition to this, the powertrain of the SUV will play a major role in determining its fate in the country as its 7-seater rivals come with the option of both petrol and diesel engine options. However, a diesel powertrain in the upcoming Duster is highly unlikely for the Indian market and this could have a major effect on the SUV’s sales charts.
That being said, the SUV has its own cult following in the Indian market and enjoys the fame of kicking off the mid-size SUV segment.