The first shipment of the new Indian-made Renault Duster has left the port of Chennai, India, bound for South Africa, marking a significant shift in where the popular SUV is built and what it will offer buyers across the region, including in Eswatini where the Duster has long been a favourite among drivers who need a capable and affordable vehicle.
The batch of 750 units departed Chennai on Monday, 22 June, and is expected to arrive in South Africa within the coming weeks. The Indian-built Duster will replace the current version assembled at the Dacia plant in Mioveni, Romania, a change that was first announced two years ago.
Renault Group India CEO Stephane Deblaise welcomed the development, saying: “The start of exports of the all-new Duster is an important moment for Renault India and a strong validation of the quality, capabilities, and competitiveness of our operations in Chennai. It reflects the progress we have made in building India into an integral part of Renault’s global industrial footprint.” 
While the Indian Duster shares the CMF-B platform with its Romanian predecessor, it comes with a number of visual and dimensional changes. The new model is slightly taller at 1 669mm compared to the Romanian version’s 1 661mm, and noticeably wider at 1 921mm against 1 813mm. Ground clearance also increases marginally from 209mm to 212mm. Boot space grows considerably, with the Indian model offering between 518 and 1 789 litres compared to the Romanian version’s 472 to 1 609 litres.
Interior of the Indian-made Duster has been revised in several key areas compared to the Romanian version. Picture: Renault India
On the outside, the changes are easy to spot. The Indian Duster gets new front and rear bumpers, a redesigned grille carrying block letter Duster badging instead of the Renault logo, integrated imitation skidplates, a nudge bar and wider air inlets on either side of the front bumper. The signature Dacia Y-shaped LED headlight graphics are gone, the shoulder line beneath the D-pillar has been reworked and the alloy wheel design updated. At the rear, a new bumper, a blacked numberplate cavity, and a full-width LED light bar running across the tailgate complete the new look.
Romanian Duster’s interior received extensive backlash for its less than premium feeling materials given its price. Picture: Renault
Inside, the cabin has received significant attention. Interior materials have reportedly been improved, addressing one of the most persistent criticisms of the Romanian model. The dashboard layout draws inspiration from the new Clio and Renault 5, featuring either a seven-inch or 10.25-inch instrument cluster positioned alongside a 10.1-inch infotainment screen in a single unified layout. The air vents, central console section and steering wheel have all been updated.
Rear facia of the Indian-made Duster. Picture: Renault India
On the engine front, the 1.3 TCe unit co-developed with Daimler carries over, producing 118kW and 280Nm of torque. A new entry-level 1.0 TCe engine producing 74kW and 160Nm replaces the mild-hybrid 1.2 TCe, which is no longer offered. The departure of the mild-hybrid also means the loss of the four-wheel drive system, though Renault has indicated that all-wheel drive could return given that it remains available on the Romanian version.
Hybrid power is set to continue in the form of the E-Tech 160 system, which pairs a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a 1.4-kWh battery and two electric motors for a combined output of 118kW. The system uses a multi-mode transmission that functions as an effective six-speed automatic.
Both the 1.0 and 1.3 engines are offered with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with an optional seven-speed EDC automatic available on the 1.3.
Change in appearance of the depicted Romanian Duster and Indian version is easy to spot. Picture: Renault
Then Renault South Africa Vice-President of Sales and Marketing Zian van Heerden confirmed at a preview late in 2024 that the switch from Romania to India was a deliberate strategic decision. The Chennai plant will also produce the rebadged Nissan Tekton, which makes its world debut on 9 July before arriving in South Africa later this year.
The Indian-made Duster is expected to come with a lower price tag than the current Romanian version. Pricing for the outgoing range currently sits at R489,999 for the Duster 1.3 TCe Zen EDC, R519,999 for the Duster 1.3 TCe Intens EDC, and R549,999 for the Duster 1.2 TCe Zen 4×4.
Renault South Africa has not yet announced an official launch date or final specifications for the new model.
