Launched in March 2026, the new Renault Duster is one of the key products from brand’s India comeback strategy. The plan seems to be working in favour of Renault India, as the carmaker has dispatched over 5,000 units of the SUV so far. Aiming to further boost sales, the French automaker is planning to expand the Duster lineup with more affordable automatic variants.
The Renault Duster is currently available with two turbocharged petrol engine options – a 110bhp/160Nm 1.0L and a 163bhp/280Nm 1.3L. While the former comes paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the latter can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Currently, the automatic gearbox is available across all 1.3L turbo petrol variants, except the entry-level Authentic trim.
New 1.3L Automatic Variants?
Renault India hasn’t yet confirmed which engine and gearbox combination will be added to the SUV lineup. It’s expected that the entry-level 1.3L Authentic variant could be benefited with an automatic transmission option. The Duster automatic variants are currently available at a starting price of Rs 14.49 lakh (Evolution variant), making them nearly Rs 1 lakh more affordable than the top-end 1.3L manual variant.
Or 1.0L Automatic Variants?
Another possibility is the introduction of an automatic gearbox with the smaller 1.0L turbo petrol engine. For reference, the same 1.0L petrol engine powers the Kiger and is available with a CVT automatic transmission. According to a latest report, the new Renault Duster 1.0L petrol could be offered with both CVT and AMT gearbox options.
Renault Duster Hybrid Coming This Diwali
Renault India has already confirmed a hybrid powertrain for the Duster SUV lineup, slated to launch during 2026 Diwali season. It will feature a 109bhp, 1.8L, four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with two electric motors (a 49bhp drive motor and a 20bhp generator motor) along with a 1.4kWh battery pack. This powertrain offers a combined output of 160bhp and 172Nm