Renault has recently revealed the new-gen Dacia Duster for the European markets. The third-generation Duster will also make its way to our market sometime in 2025. The company has also confirmed that it will introduce multiple new models including the new-gen Kwid, Triber and Kiger. Adding to it, a new 7-seater SUV will also go on sale in our market.
The new-gen Renault Duster will be launched in our market sometime in the mid-2025, while the 7-seater SUV is expected to arrive in late 2025 or early 2026. It is most likely to be the elongated version of the Duster SUV. The new SUV will be the production version of the Dacia Bigster concept that debuted in 2021.
In fact, the production version of the new Bigster 7-seater SUV is scheduled to make global debut by the end of 2024. This SUV measures 4.6 meters in length, which makes it equivalent to several C-segment SUVs including the Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus and the Mahindra XUV700. The new Duster and the Bigster will be designed and developed on the Renault-Nissan alliance’s CMF-B modular platform.
Renault has announced to invest over 5000 crores in India to drive sales in the highly competitive market. The investment will go in the localisation of the CMF-B modular platform and the local development of multiple new vehicles. The third-gen Dacia Duster rides on 2,657mm long wheelbase. It is expected that the wheelbase could be increased by good 150-200mm to accommodate third-row.
Not just the platform, the new Bigster will share the styling cues and interior bits with the new Duster. The SUV will have rugged design elements along with a more feature-loaded and premium cabin. It is likely to feature a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol hybrid powertrain that has two electric motors. This hybrid setup comprising of a 94bhp, 1.6L petrol engine, a 1.2kWh battery pack, a 49bhp electric motor, and a starter generator.
The new Bigster 7-Seater could also receive a 1.2L turbo petrol engine with a 48V mild hybrid system that offers a combined power output of 130hp. This version also comes with an all-wheel-drive layout as an optional. Similar to the new Duster, the Bigster AWD could offer 4 driving modes – Snow, Mud/Sand, Off-Road and Eco.
