Renault India is planning to expand the Duster lineup with the introduction of its hybrid version during the 2026 Diwali season. Following the launch of the Renault Duster hybrid, the French automaker will introduce a new three-row premium SUV based on the Duster in early 2027.
For people not in the know, Renault unveiled a 7-seater SUV based on the Dacia Bigster concept last year. It essentially servers as the three-row version of the third-gen Duster.
Recently a test mule of the new 7-seater Renault Duster SUV was spied testing in India. While the prototype was heavily camouflaged, it revealed the familiar upright stance and high ground clearance. However, design elements such as a longer roofline, extended rear overhang and larger rear quarter glass distinguish it from the standard 5-seater Duster.
Dimension & Platform
While official details of the new Renault 7-seater SUV are yet to be revealed, it’s expected to be dimensionally identical to the Renault Boreal. The Boreal measures 4,556mm in length, 1,841mm in width and 1,650mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,702mm.
The three-row SUV is likely to be built on the RGMP (Renault Group Modular Platform) architecture, which also underpins the 5-seater Duster. This modular platform is designed to support SUVs and MPVs measuring between sub-4 metre to 4.7 metre in length with wheelbase ranging from 2.63 metres to 2.75 metres. It also supports 5, 6 and 7-seats configurations.
Turbo Petrol & Hybrid Power
The 7-seater Renault Duster SUV is expected to borrow its powertrains from the 5-seater counterpart. The lineup is currently available with a 1.0L turbo producing power worth 100PS and 160Nm of torque along with a more powerful 1.3L TCe motor pushing out 163PS and 280Nm of torque. Both manual and DCT automatic (exclusive to the 1.3L variants) are on offer.
The Renault Duster hybrid will feature a 1.8L E-Tech strong hybrid powertrain, generating a combined output of 160PS and 172Nm of torque. The same hybrid setup is also expected to be offered on the upcoming Renault 7-seater SUV lineup.
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