The compact SUV market in India has been ruled by the Hyundai Creta for a long while. Its looks, features, and reliability turned the Hyundai Creta into the Indian car buyer’s favourite. But the game is set to change as Renault and Nissan are set to make a comeback with their highly awaited return models the Renault Duster and new Nissan SUV. The two SUVs are coming in this financial year, with Renault making a come-back entry to the segment where it rules supreme and Nissan pushing hard to make its impact felt. Here’s why these SUVs are going to revolutionize the segment.
Renault Duster: Come Back of the Legend
Renault is set to introduce the much-loved Duster after four years of voluntarily staying out of the market, skipping a full generation. The third-generation Duster looks to make an impact with the amount of aggression at the front and off-road character. When one compares dimensions worldwide, the Duster measures 4,343 mm in length, 1,921 mm in width, and 1,616 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,657 mm. It is 209 mm (FWD) and 217 mm (AWD) tall for ground clearance, offering massive off-road potential.
The Duster will also get modern flourishes like 18-inch alloy wheels, 7-inch digital configurable driver’s instrument cluster, and 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system also has wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and has satellite navigation, USB-C connectivity, and wireless phone charging. Interestingly, while all of its rivals get a panoramic sunroof, the new Duster does not even get a regular sunroof. Renault is most likely to plug this hole with an India-specific trim.
For safety features, the all-new Duster boasts six airbags, driver drowsiness alert, Lane Change Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition with Speed Alerts. It lacks a 360-degree camera, which is a feature in most of its competitors.
The new Duster will be driven by a 1.3-liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 154 horsepower and 254 Nm of torque. Powertrain would come with a 6-speed manual or CVT and AWD model is reported to make it to the Indian shores.
Nissan’s Bold Entry: The Terrano’s Successor
The day the Duster rolls out, Nissan will debut its own product, and this is not a rebadged Renault. Nissan’s new SUV is claimed to draw inspiration from the seventh-generation Patrol that was unveiled last year. The teaser gives a glimpse of a bold design with signature headlamps, a chiselled upper grille, and an intimidating stance that separates it from the Duster.
Internally, the goal is a distinct cabin experience with emphasis on premium material and contemporary dashboard design. While the engine choices would likely be as identical as feasible to the Duster 1.3-litre turbo petrol, Nissan would likely calibrate suspension and ride quality to Indian road conditions. Nissan expects a more upmarket tone to avoid Renault’s toughness.
Strategic Positioning and Launch Timeline
Renault will introduce the Duster by as soon as January 2026, and shortly thereafter will be Nissan. With both SUVs entering a very crowded segment dominated by the Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, the firms are hoping for aggressive pricing, superior build quality, and feature-rich cars to carve out their own niche.
Renault’s resurrection with the Duster will remind people of the past in a very contemporary product, and Nissan is hoping for premium positioning and unique design. Both SUVs will surely put an end to the dominance of the Creta, and automobile enthusiasts can hope for a thrilling battle in the compact SUV space.
Conclusion
Renault and Nissan are set to make a grand entry in the sub-four metre compact SUV segment, right into the face of the incumbent champion—Hyundai Creta. The new Renault Duster is set to entice the thrill-seekers with its tough build and modern features, while Nissan’s new SUV is set to please the customers with its premium quotient and unique character. Once these new vehicles hit Indian roads, they will certainly make a buzz among SUV enthusiasts and bring some fresh blood into the market.
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