Earlier this year, Renault and Nissan announced its plan to launch six new locally manufactured models (shared between both brands) with an investment of Rs 5,300 crore in India. The plan outlines four new SUVs (new-gen Renault Duster with 5 and 7-seats configurations and their Nissan’s counterparts) and two EVs. The all-new Duster and Nissan’s Duster-based SUV are likely to debut towards the end of 2025. According to a fresh a media report, the upcoming new Nissan SUV will be positioned as premium product than the new Duster, offering some additional features at slightly higher price.
Both, the new Renault Duster and its Nissan’s counterpart, will underpin the heavily localized CMF-B platform. The engine options are reported to include a 1.0L HR10, a 1.3L HR13 turbo petrol and a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol unit. The new Nissan SUV model lineup will have a limited number of variants than the Duster. In terms of features, it’s likely to offer premium seat upholstery and, advanced tech. However, details are scanty at this point of time.
The design and styling of both SUVs will also be different. The new Nissan SUV might derive some of its design elements from the Magnite subcompact SUV such as Y-shaped DRLs with headlamps, C-pillar integrated rear door handles, 18-inch alloy wheels, plastic cladding on wheel arches and Y-shaped LED taillamps.
When it comes pricing and competition, the new-gen Renault Duster (5-seater) will directly take on the naturally aspirated petrol variants of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and MG Astor, which are currently available at a starting price of Rs 9.98 lakh and Rs 10.99 lakh, respectively. The new Nissan SUV, on the other hand, will compete against the Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq and Honda Elevate, priced from Rs 11.62 lakh, Rs 11.59 lakh and Rs 11.69 lakh, respectively. The 7-seater Renault Duster and its Nissan’s counterpart will be based on the Dacia Bigster concept. These models are expected to hit roads by 2026.
