Renault Duster automatic below Rs 14.49 lakh in the works — Confirms Renault India CEO

The all-new Renault Duster has made a strong start in India since its March 2026 launch, crossing 5,000 cumulative sales and entering the top ten in the competitive midsize SUV segment. The company now looks to build on this momentum by addressing what may be the Duster's most notable gap in the market: the absence of an affordable automatic variant at the entry end of the range.

What the Renault Duster range looks like right now

Renault launched the new Duster with two engine choices: a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol and a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol. The 1.0-litre unit is currently offered only with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The 1.3-litre engine gets both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed DCT automatic with an e-shifter. The automatic transmission is available from the Evolution variant onwards, which is priced at Rs 14.49 lakh. The base Authentic variant starts at Rs 10.49 lakh, while the top-spec 1.0-litre manual Techno trim sits at Rs 13.49 lakh. This means there is no automatic option under Rs 14.49 lakh, which is a significant gap given how important the automatic segment has become in India.

CEO confirms affordable automatic is being planned

During a recent media drive, Renault Group India CEO Stephane Deblaise confirmed that the company is actively planning to introduce more affordable automatic variants of the Duster. He noted that customer enquiries around an automatic option with the 1.0-litre engine have been consistent, which is clearly influencing the product planning decision. Deblaise did not reveal which exact engine and transmission combination will be used, or at what price point the new variant will arrive.

Two scenarios seem plausible based on what is currently available. Renault could pair the 1.0-litre turbo petrol with an automatic gearbox, which would bring an entry-level automatic Duster into the picture for the first time. Alternatively, the company could introduce a lower-priced 1.3-litre DCT variant by trimming the feature list, effectively bringing the automatic entry point below the current Rs 14.49 lakh. Either approach would help Renault capture buyers who want an automatic Duster but are currently priced out of that option.

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Strong hybrid and future powertrain options

Beyond the automatic variants, the Duster's powertrain story for 2026 also includes a 1.8-litre E-Tech strong hybrid system, bookings for which are already fully sold out this year. The new Duster uses the Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP), which is technically capable of supporting CNG and battery-electric powertrains as well, though whether those options will make it to India depends on future product planning decisions.

Renault to make the Duster more competitive

The midsize SUV space in India has become fiercely competitive. Rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra and Maruti eVitara all offer multiple powertrain choices including well-priced automatic options. Renault's plan to make the Duster's automatic lineup more accessible is a necessary step if it wants to hold and grow its position in this segment. With hybrid bookings already strong and automatic demand clearly present, the new variants could further broaden the Duster's appeal across buyer profiles.

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