Within 18 months of the launch of its most popular Duster SUV, French car maker Renault India plans to enter the fast-growing sub-4 metre SUV space by Diwali of 2027.
Autocar Professional has learnt that the vehicle, internally codenamed RB3-K2 B-SUV, is likely to feature one of the most diversified powertrain portfolios in the compact SUV segment, and possibly in the country, with petrol, hybrid, CNG and electric options under consideration.
Sources close to the development told Autocar Professional that the company is looking at annual volumes of about 80,000 to 90,000 units in incremental sales from the sub-4 metre SUV space.
Interestingly, the model may come with a new 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine, a turbocharged engine, a hybrid and an EV with two different battery alternatives – 35 kWh and 55 kWh. The aim is to offer the widest range of alternatives across a price point from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh.
Autocar India was the first to report on the plans to bring in the Mini Duster in January 2026.
The push comes at a critical juncture for the French carmaker in India after it took full control of its Chennai manufacturing facility from its former alliance partner Nissan. The move has allowed Renault to integrate manufacturing, R&D and commercial operations into a unified organisational structure.
An email sent to Renault India did not elicit any response at the time of publishing.
People in the know said the new structure is designed to accelerate decision-making, sharpen product development and position India as both a domestic growth market and an export hub in the future.
At the core of Renault’s revival plan is the return of one of its most recognisable global nameplates, the Duster, that won the hearts of many Indians more than a decade ago. The next-generation Duster will mark the brand’s re-entry into the highly competitive midsize SUV segment, which has emerged as the single largest and fastest-growing category in the Indian passenger vehicle market.
“There are at least half a dozen options being worked on. Apart from a sustained revamping of the existing portfolio, the three all-new SUVs – Duster, Bigster and Mini Duster on the modular platform will make Renault a serious challenger in the mainstream SUV space,” added the person requesting anonymity.
Together, these three models are expected to help the company rebuild brand equity and regain visibility in a segment currently dominated by rivals such as Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra and Tata Motors.
Internally, the vehicle is seen as a “mini-Duster” and is expected to draw inspiration from the Boreal concept that previews Renault’s future design direction for emerging markets. The official details on the same are likely to be revealed on March 10.
The model will likely sit on Renault’s new modular R-GMP architecture, which is heavily localized to meet India-specific requirements and could play a central role in restoring volumes for the brand.
India is also expected to play a role as an export base for several of these products. Renault has previously exported vehicles from its Chennai facility to markets in Africa and the Middle East.
Future SUVs developed under the new programme could target regions such as South Africa and Saudi Arabia apart from other left-hand-drive international markets alongside domestic sales.
The renewed focus on SUVs represents a shift back to Renault’s historical strength in India. The original Duster played a pivotal role in popularising the midsize SUV segment in the country more than a decade ago, helping Renault briefly emerge as one of the fastest-growing international brands in the market.
By combining new global platforms, localisation of engines and a wider powertrain mix, Renault now hopes to recreate that momentum and re-establish itself as a serious contender in India’s SUV-dominated passenger vehicle landscape.