2024 Renault Duster: Old vs New Compared

Renault's sister brand Dacia has globally unveiled the 2024 Duster, the third iteration of the popular nameplate. Following its reveal, we anticipate Renault's reintroduction of the Duster in our market after three years, as it’s expected to be reintroduced on our shores. In this read, we compare the third-gen Duster to the first-gen model, which was last sold in India.

Design

Up front, the 2024 Duster gets a sleeker looking grille with a new Y-shaped DRL signature, varying from the simple yet rugged grille design of the previous model.

The new-generation Duster maintains its boxy silhouette but features squarer wheel arches with body cladding and a fresh roof rail design.You also get new alloys and the windowline now tapers up and looks sportier.  At the rear, sporty touches include a roof spoiler and Y-shaped signature in LED taillights. Overall, the India-bound 2024 Duster will undergo a significant styling update compared to the last model we saw on our roads.

Interior

Inside, the Duster's loyal customers have a reason to rejoice. Gone is the traditional-looking outdated dashboard with chunky air vents and a basic infotainment system. Instead, you now get a new dashboard design housing a 10.1-inch floating infotainment system. The sharp overall styling includes sleeker AC vents with a similar Y-shaped insignia that we see on the exterior design. Notably, the 2024 Duster retains physical controls for the climate control system.

Features

The features list includes a 7-inch fully digital instrument cluster, six-speaker Arkamys sound system, wireless connectivity for Apple Carplay and Android Auto, Type-C charging ports, automatic climate control and a wireless phone charger. Safety is taken care of with multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and ADAS features like lane departure warning and lane keep assist.

Powertrain

Globally, Renault/Dacia has replaced the third-gen Duster’s diesel engine with multiple petrol and hybrid powertrain options which we have detailed in our previous report. In India, the 2024 Duster will likely be offered with a 130 PS 1.2-litre petrol engine paired to a 48 V mild hybrid system which will replace the petrol-only unit found on the previous model. 

PREVIOUS DUSTER SPECS 

Pricing and India Launch

We expect the next-gen Duster to make its debut in India sometime in 2025, with a starting price of around Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). It will make its comeback on our shores after three years, initiating a fresh rivalry in the compact SUV segment with cars like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Astor, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.