At a joint press briefing, Nissan and Renault have announced the development of four new products combined. The products include two five-seater SUVs, one from each brand, and their respective seven-seat derivatives.
Renault Duster, Nissan SUV: platform, design
A teaser of the two upcoming midsize SUVs was released, with the two still in concept form. The SUVs will be based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s modular, heavily localized CMF-B platform that underpins a number of global models for both the manufacturers, as well as Renault’s sister brand Dacia.
While Renault hasn’t confirmed, we believe its CMF-B based five-seater SUV could revive the ‘Duster’ nameplate which was sold as a Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos rival up until 2022. The new-gen Renault Duster made its global debut in February this year.
However, the newly teased CMF-B SUV features some styling changes over the global-spec Duster, including redesigned headlamps as well as a restyled front bumper. The Nissan SUV boasts L-shaped LED DRLs that are connected together with a light bar running across the nose.
Renault Duster, Nissan SUV: seven-seater versions
Both SUVs will also have respective seven-seater iterations, considering the growing segment of three-row midsize SUVs that now includes Citroen C3 Aircross, Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector Plus, Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, and others. The three-row versions of the two SUVs will likely have some distinctive styling elements and a longer wheelbase, but might carry over the same powertrain(s).
Renault Duster, Nissan SUV: launch timeline, rivals
The new Renault Duster is expected to make its India entry only by late 2025. While there is no official launch timeline for either of the four SUVs, the Renault Duster and Nissan’s five-seat SUV will likely be launched first, followed by the seven-seater versions. The manufacturers confirmed that the products from the two brands will be introduced parallelly. Additionally, there are plans to introduce two more products, however, there's no confirmation as to what they could be.
Upon arrival, the SUVs will fend off competition from SUVs like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Citroen C3 Aircross and MG Astor.