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Renault Plans “Mini Duster” to Strengthen Compact SUV Line-up in India
Renault is planning to launch a new model every year to strengthen its presence in India. As part of this initiative, there is talk of a new 'Mini Duster' compact SUV. It will be different from the Kiger, with a more robust and boxy design, aiming to meet the traditional SUV preferences of Indian customers. Its launch is expected around 2027-28, which will help the company strengthen its foothold in the compact SUV segment.
Renault has signaled its intention to re-establish its presence in the Indian market with the debut of the new Duster. Nevertheless, the strategy is not to rely only on one particular model. Renault is expanding its model lineup in India at a rapid pace, with an objective to launch at least one new model annually. Under this backdrop, there are talks about a new 'Mini Duster' that could potentially be the second product in this segment from this company.
Renault has an SUV model named Kiger in the sub-4 meter SUV segment. Still, the sales of the Kiger, even after a major update in the middle of 2025, are not meeting the expected numbers, with an average of merely 1,000-1,200 units being sold every month. The major reason for this could be considered to be the coupe-style, crossover-type design of the vehicle, which does not match the SUV preferences of customers in India. This is where the entry of the Mini Duster becomes crucial. This SUV could feature a more upright, boxy, and rugged SUV stance than the Kiger, much like the original Duster established its identity.
According to reports, this upcoming compact SUV will feature an upright and rugged silhouette similar to the Duster. It could feature large wheels, robust body cladding, and a strong SUV-like road presence. In terms of powertrain, it is likely to feature the same 1.0-liter turbo-petrol HR10 engine as the Kiger, which could be offered with manual and CVT gearbox options. This SUV is currently unnamed, and its launch is still awaited.
This new compact SUV will arrive in the market only after the 7-seater Duster derivative. Therefore, its expected launch is believed to be around 2027–28. The trend of introducing a second car in the compact SUV segment is becoming increasingly common. Having two models in the same segment with different designs and positioning allows companies to reach more customers.
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Particularly after the GST rate revision in 2025, there has been renewed interest in this segment. Large volumes and affordable pricing are the segment's biggest strengths, and localization will play a key role in this development. In a recent interview, Renault Brand CEO and Chief Growth Officer Fabrice Cambolive hinted at this possibility, saying it was a very good idea. It is clear from this that the company wants to strengthen its hold in this segment.
Also Read: Renault Duster Gets Panoramic Sunroof, Level-2 ADAS, and 360-Degree Camera
