Renault Duster New vs Old: In Pics Comparison

The new Renault Duster is expected to make its comeback in India, in a new-generation avatar by 2025

The third-generation Renault Duster has made its global debut under the French automaker’s budget-oriented brand, Dacia. Unlike its previous iteration, this all-new Duster is based on the CMF-B platform. It not only features an evolved design and revamped interior but also offers a variety of powertrain options, including mild-hybrid and strong hybrid configurations.

The Renault Duster was discontinued in India in early 2022 after its 10-years of long journey in the country. We did not even get the second-gen model here which will soon be replaced.While we are waiting for the comeback of the Duster in India, let’s explore how the new-gen SUV is different from the old Renault Duster which was last sold in India.

Front

The fascia of the new-generation Renault Duster now appears sleeker and bolder compared to its predecessor. It gets an all-new grille, slimmer headlights with Y-shaped LED DRLs, and a larger air dam. In contrast, the old Duster features a bigger front grille and broader headlights. However, the air dam on the old Duster doesn't look as prominent as that of the new Duster.

What further adds to the boldness of the new Duster is its thick skid plate around the larger air dam. The fog lamps are integrated into the skid plate itself. The new Duster also gets air vents on the front bumper for better aerodynamic efficiency. In contrast, the old Duster had a separate housing for the fog lamps. 

Also Check Out: M S Dhoni’s Garage Gets Another Touch Of Exclusivity With The Mercedes-AMG G 63 SUV

Side

The new Duster has retained the iconic 'Duster' silhouette but it now looks sharper (and bigger) than before. Unlike the previous-gen Duster, the new one gets thick side cladding, especially on the front door, and squared wheel arches. Another noticeable change is that the old Duster got the flap-style door handles which isn’t the case with the new Duster. The rear door handle on the new Duster has been relocated to the C-pillar. Both Duster versions are equipped with roof rails. However, the ones on the new model are functional, with a capacity to handle a load of 80 kg with the roof-rack accessory.

• OEM Verified Car Service History
• Check RTO Records

The new Duster gets the option of 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels, whereas the old Duster was available with 16-inch alloy wheels. Here, too, the design for the wheels is not radically different but evolves to be more modern.

Rear

Similar to the front, the rear of the new-generation Duster has been revamped completely while not as dramatic. The proportions are crisp and it features a hunched bootlid for a dynamic stance. The highlights include Y-shaped LED tail lamps, a roof-integrated rear spoiler, and a big silver skid plate. 

The rear design of the old Duster was more traditional, featuring a flatter tailgate. It lacked a rear spoiler, although it did include a rear skid plate.

• Make Your Car Smart
• CarDekho Video Reviews

Dashboard

The new-generation Duster sports a completely new dashboard design with Y-shaped highlights and inserts around the cabin. The infotainment unit, and central AC vents and its controls have been angled towards the driver’s seat for better ergonomics.

As part of the all-new dashboard, the new Duster gets a 10.1-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system which also supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The old India-spec Duster had a 7-inch touchscreen system with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, which felt outdated even before the SUV was discontinued.

The 2024 Renault Duster features a 7-inch digital driver’s display whereas the old Duster used to get an analog instrument cluster with the third dial having a small black and white multi-information display.

Centre Console

With its new centre console layout, the automatic variants of the new Duster get a knob for the drive mode selection, electronic parking brake, 12 V and C-type charging ports, and wireless phone charging tray. The old Duster didn’t have the wireless phone charging feature or the electronic parking brake. It also had automatic climate control quite low down while the new one houses various climate controls in the new touchscreen infotainment system.

Also Read: All The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Buying A New Car At The End Of A Calendar Year

Front Seats

Both the new and old Renault Duster can be seen with a fabric seat upholstery. However the design of the headrests on the new Duster are different, and it gets new upholstery colours.

Rear Seats

At the rear, both Dusters have 3 headrests, but the middle headrest in the new Duster is adjustable, while that of the old Duster was fixed. The new-gen SUV seems to miss out on a fold-out rear armrest unlike the old one, but adds a 3-point seatbelt and ISOFIX child seat anchorages instead.

Boot Space

You can accommodate up to 472 litres of luggage inside the boot of the new-generation Duster. The old Duster on the other hand offered a boot space of 475 litres. So practically there’s negligible change in the boot space figures.

Powertrains

Towards the end of its life cycle in India, the old Renault Duster was offered with two petrol engine options: a 106 PS 1.5-litre unit and a 156 PS 1.3-litre turbo-petrol. Previously, Renault also offered the Duster with a 110 PS 1.5-litre diesel engine.

The new European-spec Duster will get 3 powertrain options: a 130 PS, 1.2-litre petrol unit coupled with a 48V mild hybrid system, a strong-hybrid 140 PS 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, and the third one being a combination of petrol and LPG. The details for the new India-spec Duster are yet to be announced, but we believe that it will be a petrol only offering. However, we hope to see a return of the Duster’s all-wheel-drive variant for the Indian market.

Expected Launch & Price

The third-generation Renault Duster is expected to be launched in India by 2025. Renault could price it from Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). It will take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Citroen C3 Aircross, and Honda Elevate.