Renault Duster to make a big comeback in India
Delhi : We now know that the Duster would return in India, though it hasn't received official confirmation yet. Although the firm hasn't directly mentioned the Duster, Autocar India reports that they have unveiled their future product strategy for India. And a Duster—or a Duster replacement—is unquestionably present.
Earlier this year, it was suggested that the French multinational automaker, which is now in an association with the Japanese automaker Nissan, might bring back the legendary Duster brand to India.
Renault is really developing a new SUV that would be based on Renault-new Nissan's CMF-B platform, contrary to earlier reports that said the business was going to revive the Duster in India. It is unknown if they would keep calling it the Duster or if a new name would be given to it.
The new CMF-B platform, which would open the door for the introduction of other new automobiles, including the next Duster generation, was also said to be something Renault is planning to invest more than Rs 4,000 crore in India. The long-discussed midsize SUV may finally arrive on the market between 2024 and 2025, according to recent reports.
With this contemporary platform, Renault will be able to equip the new SUV and other vehicles based on it with additional cutting-edge parts and functions. It will be capable of working with different body types and engine setups, such as hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and gasoline engines.
The CMF-B platform will be heavily localised to better meet the needs of the Indian automobile sector, according to the earlier stated. Additionally, it has been rumoured that the Bigster design could be used to create the upcoming Duster SUV. The Duster's electric version will be created using the platform's electric derivation, the CMF-B EV.
For those who don't know, Renault's subsidiary Dacia released the initial concept for the Bigster 3-row SUV back in 2021. The concept car's front fascia had an aggressive design and a full-width grille that was the focal point. The front grille and Dacia's distinctive Y-shaped headlight were combined in the most recent design.
The squared-off front bumper has two vertical air intakes in the centre of a big centre grille. It had LED lighting that appeared to be built into the grille. The vehicle's wide wheel arches and massive 5-spoke alloy wheels gave the side profile the appearance of being a larger Duster SUV. Two Y-shaped taillights and a sleek tailgate with a huge Dacia symbol were also features of the Bigster concept.
The launch of the original generation Duster in India back in 2012 was a significant turning point for the company, so if the Renault Duster does make a reappearance there, it may benefit the French automaker a lot. The Koleos SUV and Fluence sedan, the company's previous products in India, were more premium vehicles that were sold in a constrained number using the CKD process. The Duster, however, was the company's first-ever mass-market product in that country. The Duster was the first midsize SUV with a monocoque architecture, which sparked the emergence of a whole new market segment that later attracted and was dominated by SUVs like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
The Duster also saw the debut of Renault's B0 platform, which later served as the foundation for several vehicles, including Nissan's Terrano and Kicks as well as Renault's Lodgy, Captur, and Duster. This well-liked platform will be replaced by the upcoming CMF-B platform.
