Overview
- This week Renault Group India CEO Stephane Deblaise confirmed the company will add more affordable automatic variants to the Duster range.
- Renault declined to say which engine or gearbox will be paired with the new automatics and is exploring options for both the 1.0‑litre and 1.3‑litre petrol units.
- A camouflaged Duster test mule was spotted near Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, and observers have suggested it may be the strong‑hybrid E‑Tech prototype.
- Dealers and reports say bookings for the hybrid Duster are already sold out for 2026, with Renault targeting a festive‑season launch for the E‑Tech hybrid.
- The Duster sits on the RGMP platform that can accept CNG and battery‑electric layouts, and Renault’s staged rollout seeks to improve affordability as rivals expand hybrid and petrol choices.