Next-gen Renault Duster spied testing internationally ahead of debut

The rear profile with the triangular taillights just doesn't settle with me, and the front, at least with the images given looks a bit like a Polestar. Also, is it just me or does the front 3/4 look a bit like an XM?

They do have a open market segment with that hybrid engine. Today, the only hybrid options are from Toyota/Honda and both prices are high w.r.t their petrol counterparts, where the fuel saving doesn't come close to the upfront premium. If they can launch the hybrid with an attractive price, it will find many takers, as a good price + hybrid fuel efficiency can draw a lot of customers.

I don't think Renault can play the price game with their sales margins. "IF" they launch the next gen Duster, it's definitely going to be up there in price with it's counterparts. The speculated 2025 date is some time away and the already relentless competition will have evolved further. Kia and Hyundai are already doing it (upcoming Creta), Honda with their Elevate (jack of all trades), and Maruti/Toyota (NA+AWD, Strong Hybrid) will be due for a refresh by that time as well.

Even if the Duster will have that same carpet ride quality, I genuinely cannot recall any car setting the sales charts on fire just because of this trait. Furthermore, the competition has almost caught up, their ride quality is getting closer to Duster's as per team-bhp reviews.

When did we last see any sane price launch in the market?

India launch by mid-2025? Seriously??
I sincerely pray to God that Renault will be here in India until then!

I mean, why always this lazy approach to Indian customers?
The old Duster itself was outdated in design on day one of its launch.
And they flogged that dead horse for almost 10 years.
Now, this one too will be already a 2 year old and outdated design when it gets launched here in 2025 end.

No wonder why Renault is struggling for breathing space in India, when even newer players like Kia are performing way better.

A friend of mine was in the market for a compact SUV last month.
Both of us test drove almost all the models available except Magnite and Kiger.
The reason he said when asked why was that he doesn't want a company's product which may leave India anytime soon like Ford and GM.
They have not given any update or facelift to Magnite or Kiger even after 4 years of launch, whereas Venue, Nexon and Brezza received atleast 2 significant facelifts during this period.
The customer should feel that the Brand is active and is always striving to update it products with periodic facelifts and model changes.
He booked Brezza in the end and closed the deal.

This is the impression that majority of the common folks have in their minds about Renault and Nissan in India.
Majority of the Indians customers are damn serious when it comes to their cars, and whoever is lazy or not serious about their products, or whoever is taking the customers for-granted or assuming them to be silly, have no place in their minds, and they don't even shortlist their products even for a test-drive to finalize their decisions.

I don't know when these companies are going to realize this simple thing.
Atleast they can learn from the mistakes of others who had to leave India because of this same attitude.

Last week I inquired at few dealerships in Maharashtra for India Launch of new Duster.
Almost all of them suggested a Diwali 2024 launch.
Not sure if it is the official communication from Renault to the dealers.