 |
| Electric car 🚨 |
Duster 2025: Hybrid SUV Star
Renault’s bringing back an old favorite with a shiny new twist—the 3rd-generation Duster, expected to hit Indian shores in the second half of 2025. This isn’t your grandpa’s Duster; it’s a modern beast built on the CMF-B platform, stretching 4.34 meters long with a beefy 209mm ground clearance. Picture it tackling city potholes or village dirt tracks with ease. The big news? It’s going green with a 130 bhp turbo petrol mild-hybrid engine, and there’s talk of a strong hybrid option too. That means better mileage—potentially 20–22 kmpl—less CO2 in the air, and a smoother ride with electric assist. Available in 5- and 7-seater setups, it’s gunning for families and adventurers alike. But with rivals like the Hyundai Creta already dominating, Renault will need to price it sharp—likely around ₹10–15 lakh—to make a dent.
Bigster 2026: Duster’s Bigger Brother
If the Duster feels a bit snug, Renault’s got you covered with the Dacia Bigster, set to arrive as a Renault-badged 7-seater in 2026. Think of it as the Duster’s bigger, brawnier sibling 230mm longer, with an extended wheelbase for extra legroom. Built on the same CMF-B platform, it shares the Duster’s hybrid powertrains, meaning you’ll get that same eco-friendly 130 bhp setup with electric flair. It’s designed for big families or those who love a road trip with all their gear—think 472 liters of boot space for your camping kit. The rugged design, with Y-shaped LED DRLs, promises to turn heads, but launching six months after the Duster might mean Renault misses the festive 2025 buying spree. Still, at an estimated ₹12–18 lakh, it could be a green alternative to the Mahindra XUV700.
Kwid EV: Affordable Electric Dream
What if you could zip through traffic without a single puff of smoke? That’s the dream Renault’s chasing with the Kwid EV, expected to launch in early 2025. Already a hit globally as the Dacia Spring EV, this electric hatchback is Renault’s shot at the affordable EV market, taking on the Tata Tiago EV. Based on the CMF-A platform, it’ll keep the Kwid’s compact 3.7-meter footprint but swap the petrol engine for a 26.8 kWh battery pack, offering a 271–295 km range per charge. That’s enough for a week of city commutes without a recharge, costing just ₹1 per km versus ₹2–3 for petrol cars. With a price tag potentially around ₹5–7 lakh, it’s a budget-friendly way to go green, though spotty charging infrastructure in smaller towns might slow its roll. Still, for urban warriors, this could be a game-changer.
New Triber: Family MPV Upgrade
Renault’s Triber has been the go-to for budget 7-seater families since 2019, but it’s due for a glow-up. The new-gen Triber, expected between 2025 and 2026, promises a full overhaul—new design, updated cabin, and possibly a new platform. The current Triber starts at ₹5.99 lakh, offering 20 kmpl with its 1.0-litre engine, but the next version might borrow hybrid tech from Renault’s global lineup, pushing efficiency higher. Imagine a 7-seater that sips fuel at 22–25 kmpl, saving ₹10,000–₹12,000 yearly at ₹100/litre. Details are scarce, but expect a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and more safety tech to keep up with rivals like the Maruti Ertiga. Priced around ₹6–9.5 lakh, it’ll stay affordable, but Renault needs to nail the launch timeline—delays could let competitors steal the spotlight.
Electric Hatchback: Mystery Green Ride
Renault’s keeping a wildcard up its sleeve—an affordable electric hatchback slated for 2025–2026. This isn’t the Kwid EV but a new model, part of Renault’s ₹5,300 crore investment with Nissan to launch nine new cars in India. Could it be an electric version of the Kardian, a sub-4m crossover? Or maybe a rival to the MG Comet EV? We don’t know yet, but Renault’s aiming for the budget EV segment, likely with a 200–250 km range and a price tag under ₹10 lakh. That’s zero-emission driving for the masses, cutting CO2 in cities where air quality’s a daily battle. But without charging stations in every corner of India, this mystery hatchback might struggle to find its footing. Still, the idea of an electric Renault under ₹10 lakh has us buzzing with curiosity.
Eco-Friendly Vision Takes Shape
Renault’s upcoming lineup isn’t just about new cars—it’s about a greener tomorrow. The Duster and Bigster’s hybrid engines, the Kwid EV, and the potential electric hatchback show Renault’s doubling down on sustainability. Hybrids could save ₹15,000–₹20,000 yearly on fuel, while EVs drop that to pennies per km. The CMF-B platform uses local sourcing to cut shipping emissions, and Renault’s focus on lightweight builds lowers the carbon footprint. Add in recyclable materials, and these cars are as kind to the planet as they are to your wallet. In a country where air pollution claims lives daily, Renault’s push for hybrids and EVs feels like a breath of fresh air—literally.
Challenges on the Horizon
Renault’s got big dreams, but India’s a tough road to ride. The Duster and Bigster face fierce competition—Creta, XUV700, and Seltos won’t go down without a fight. Pricing will be key; if Renault overshoots, buyers might look elsewhere. The Kwid EV and electric hatchback sound exciting, but India’s charging network is a patchwork quilt great in cities, spotty everywhere else. Posts on X from April 2025 show Renault’s exploring range-extender tech and hybrids, but localization could take years, driving up costs. The Triber’s timeline feels shaky too; a 2026 launch might miss the family MPV boom. Renault’s past missteps—like the Captur’s flop—loom large. They’ll need to nail execution to win India’s heart.
Who’s Waiting for These Rides
These Renaults are for dreamers and doers—city commuters craving efficiency, families needing space, and eco-warriors fighting pollution. The Duster and Bigster will draw SUV lovers who want hybrid savings without losing rugged charm. The Kwid EV and electric hatchback are for budget buyers ready to ditch petrol, while the Triber’s for big families on a budget. They’re not for speed junkies or luxury seekers, but if you want practical, green rides that don’t break the bank, Renault’s got something cooking for you.
Where to Spot These Cars
Renault’s 600+ dealerships across India—from Delhi to Kochi—will roll out these models as they launch. The Duster and Kwid EV should hit showrooms by late 2025, with the Bigster and Triber following in 2026. Online bookings via Renault’s e-shop will likely start closer to launch dates, with EMIs around ₹15,000/month for SUVs and ₹7,000/month for the Kwid EV. Keep an eye out for festive deals—maybe a cashback or free accessories—to sweeten the deal.
Renault’s Green Road Ahead
Renault India’s 2025–2026 lineup is a bold bet on a cleaner, smarter future. The Duster and Bigster bring hybrid muscle, the Kwid EV and electric hatchback offer zero-emission dreams, and the Triber keeps families moving affordably. With prices starting at ₹5 lakh and climbing to ₹18 lakh, there’s something for every wallet. But Renault’s got to navigate a bumpy road—competition, charging woes, and past mistakes could stall their engines. Still, the promise of hybrid efficiency and electric thrills has us curious. Could these five cars spark a green revolution on India’s roads? We’ll be watching, waiting, and dreaming of the day we can drive the future.
Disclaimer: Specs and timelines are based on 2025 reports. Verify with Renault dealers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s Renault launching in 2025
Renault’s set to launch the 3rd-gen Duster, Kwid EV, and possibly a new-gen Triber, with hybrid and electric options, starting late 2025.
What’s the Duster 2025 price
Expected at ₹10–15 lakh (ex-showroom), with on-road costs around ₹11–17 lakh, depending on the city and variant.
How far can Kwid EV go
It offers a 271–295 km range on a single charge, perfect for city commutes but may need planning for longer trips.
What colors will Bigster have
Likely to share Duster’s palette—think rugged shades like green, grey, or white, though Renault hasn’t confirmed yet.
Are these cars eco-friendly
Yes, hybrids offer 20–22 kmpl, EVs have zero emissions, and sustainable materials reduce production impact significantly.
How does Duster compare to Creta
Duster’s hybrid tech and 209mm clearance beat Creta’s 190mm and 17 kmpl, but Creta leads in tech and brand appeal.
Do these cars need licenses
Yes, Duster, Bigster, and Triber require licenses; Kwid EV might not if under 25 km/h, per Indian laws.
Where to buy Renault cars
Renault dealerships or e-shop, with EMIs from ₹7,000–₹15,000/month, available across India starting late 2025.
