2023 Renault Duster To Feature Petrol Engines Only — Oh The Weight Of Diesel!

Updated: Saturday, June 29, 2019, 19:02 [IST]

According to NDTV Auto, India will lead the development of the third-generation of the Renault Duster. The all new Duster will be ready to roll out only during 2023, and will replace the current first-generation extension in India, and the second-generation that went on sale worldwide in 2017.

There are reports that India is now the lead market for development of the all new Duster, and that the country will only have petrol variants of Renault's popular SUV. The second-generation on sale in other markets now feature a 1.2 / 1.3-litre turbo petrol, as well as a 1.6-litre in-line 4 cylinder petrol too.

India still has the older Duster that features the 1.5 litre H4K Nissan built engine that is also featured in the Renault Captur, and the recently launched Nissan Kicks. The new car will have a newer engine lineup with smaller turbocharged offerings. These engines meet global emission standards for 2023, and will feature a bunch of transmission options - auto/CVT and manual.

Renault's plan for the Duster to feature only petrol engines is aligned with Renault's decision to move to petrol-only when the Bharat Stage VI emission norms come in to effect on 1 April 2020. The plan is to subsequently also have electrified versions of its cars, both Hybrid and fully electric.

There are also reports that the third-generation car being developed will take into account electrification needs for Europe, and also newer EV markets like India and Brazil where volumes come into the picture. Renault says that the chassis, platform and shape will be governed by plug-in requirements. The car will also have a new interior design language, and will be loaded with connectivity features.

Renault will continue to retail diesel powertrains only for markets that continue to have such a demand.

India remains a key market for Renault as stated by its Global Markets CEO Thierry Bolloré. He feels that sales for Renault will double in India by 2021. The key contributors to that effort will be the facelift of the current Duster, the Kwid, and recently unveiled Triber subcompact MPV.

While exports will remain a top money generator for the Renault-Nissan alliance production facility in Chennai, the third-generation Duster will be made/assembled at multiple locations around the world like Brazil, Colombia, Russia and Indonesia.

Thoughts About Renault Discontinuing Diesel Engines After 1 April 2020

We did not see that coming. Renault has just strengthened its position after the Nissan alliance and we thought they would continue retailing diesel engines in the country. We guess that is not meant to be. The new engines sound like they are more powerful, and we will have to wait until 2023 to test them out. Phew!