2026 Renault Duster India Launch: Design, Features & Options

The Renault Duster is finally coming back to the Indian market. When it first launched in 2012, it quickly became one of the most popular SUVs in the country. More than 2 lakh Dusters were sold, and it even created its own segment. Now, Renault is bringing it back as part of its “International Game Plan 2027,” showing that the company is serious about the fast-growing Indian market.

Launch Timeline and Positioning

Renault has confirmed that the official India reveal of the new Duster will take place on January 26, 2026. Sales are expected to start sometime in 2025–26, depending on production.

In Renault’s lineup, the new Duster will sit above the Renault Kiger. It will enter the mid-size SUV segment and compete with popular models like: Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Curvv, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder

Design and Styling

The new Duster follows the same rugged design seen on the international Dacia Duster. It keeps the strong SUV look with an upright body, thick cladding, and bold lines that made the old Duster a favourite.

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For India, the biggest change is the large Renault badge on the grille instead of the Dacia logo. The headlights, DRLs, side profile, and body panels are almost the same as the global model.

Inside, the cabin layout is also likely to be similar to the international version, with the steering on the right side for India.

Engine and Performance

The global Duster gets multiple engine options. Renault has not confirmed the engines for India yet, but we can expect manual and automatic choices.

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Global options include:

1.0-litre turbo-petrol
1.2-litre petrol-hybrid
1.6-litre petrol-hybrid

There is also a chance that Renault may offer a 1499cc petrol engine in the lower variants for India.

Technology and Safety

Renault has updated the new Duster with modern technology and advanced safety features. This makes it far more premium than the earlier model.

Expected features for India include:

Cabin and Convenience

7-inch digital instrument cluster
Wireless phone charging
Large touchscreen infotainment system

ADAS Safety Features

Automatic emergency braking
Traffic sign recognition
Lane departure warning
Lane keep assist
Rear parking assist
Emergency stop signal

These features will help the new Duster compete strongly with feature-rich SUVs like the Creta and Seltos.

Made in India for the World

Renault is turning India into its fifth global manufacturing hub outside Europe. The new Duster will be built at the Chennai (RNAIPL) plant. This will help with better pricing, high localisation, and a design that suits Indian roads and driving conditions.

Conclusion

The return of the Renault Duster is one of the most exciting things happening in the mid-size SUV segment. With new features, modern tech, and strong design, Renault is hoping to bring back the magic of the original Duster. It has everything needed to compete with today’s popular SUVs.

So, what do you think — will the new Renault Duster become a hit again in India? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Hyundai Motor Company has officially announced its return to international cricket, confirming a new Premier Partner agreement with the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the 2026–2027 cycle.

The partnership was formally announced at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, marking Hyundai’s comeback to the sport after nearly a decade. The move underlines the brand’s renewed focus on cricket’s massive global reach—especially in cricket-first markets like India.

Two Years, Six ICC Tournaments

Under the agreement, Hyundai will be present across six major ICC tournaments spread over the next two years. The deal ensures brand visibility across:

ICC Men’s tournaments (ODI & T20 formats)
ICC Women’s tournaments, supporting the sport’s rapid global growth
ICC U19 World Cups, connecting with younger audiences and future fans

This wide coverage gives Hyundai access to a combined global cricket audience of over 2 billion viewers.

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More Than Just Logo Placement

As an ICC Premier Partner, Hyundai’s role goes far beyond boundary boards and broadcast graphics.

Key activations include:

Exclusive matchday integrations, including high-visibility moments like the pre-match coin toss
Fan engagement zones inside stadiums and via digital platforms
Vehicle showcases featuring Hyundai’s latest models at match venues
Globally aligned campaigns, coordinated across Hyundai’s international markets

The strategy is designed to create deeper fan engagement rather than just passive brand exposure.

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Why India Is Central to Hyundai’s Cricket Push

Hyundai’s earlier ICC association between 2011 and 2015 proved highly successful, particularly in India. This renewed partnership highlights the growing importance of India in Hyundai’s global growth plans.

Commenting on the announcement, Tarun Garg, Managing Director & CEO Designate of Hyundai Motor India Limited, said the brand is preparing a 360-degree activation strategy spanning PR, digital platforms, on-ground experiences, and dealerships to maximise impact.

Expect Hyundai showrooms to double up as fan hubs once the ICC calendar kicks off in 2026.

The Bigger Picture

By aligning itself with the ICC, Hyundai is tapping into cricket’s emotional pull—especially in countries where the sport is part of everyday life rather than just entertainment. This partnership places Hyundai at the centre of cricket’s biggest moments, right when fan engagement is at its peak.

With the 2026 ICC season approaching, Hyundai’s return signals one of the largest automotive–sports partnerships of the decade.

So, what do you think — is cricket still the strongest platform for car brands to connect with Indian buyers, or are digital-first strategies taking over? Share your thoughts in the comments below!