Made-in-India Renault Duster goes global: First export batch rolls out to South Africa

In a significant boost for India’s automobile manufacturing sector, Renault India has officially started exporting the new-generation Renault Duster, with the first batch of 750 units heading to South Africa.

The export operation is being carried out from the Renault-Nissan manufacturing plant near Chennai, a key hub that caters to both domestic sales and overseas markets. The move comes just months after the much-awaited launch of the new-generation Duster in India, highlighting the company’s growing confidence in the SUV’s global appeal.

What makes this new Duster special is its foundation. It is the first Renault model in India to be built on the brand’s advanced Renault Group Modular Platform, designed to support multiple body styles and a variety of powertrain options. This includes petrol, hybrid, and future electrified models, giving Renault the flexibility to tailor the SUV for international markets from a single production base.

Under the hood, the India-spec Duster currently comes with turbo-petrol engine options, paired with both manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions. Renault has also confirmed that a strong-hybrid variant will join the lineup later in 2026, expected to feature a 1.8-litre petrol engine combined with an electric motor and battery pack.

The latest Duster also brings a premium upgrade in terms of features. Depending on the variant, buyers get a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google built-in services, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, connected car technology, ventilated front seats, powered seats, a panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, and a 360-degree camera system.

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On the safety front, Renault has loaded the SUV with advanced features such as multiple airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ISOFIX child-seat mounts, and an extensive Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) package. The company says the SUV offers 17 ADAS functions, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Traffic Sign Recognition.

Adding more credibility to its safety credentials, the Duster has secured a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, scoring 30.49 out of 32 for Adult Occupant Protection and 45 out of 49 for Child Occupant Protection.

Dimensionally, the SUV offers a solid 212 mm ground clearance and an impressive 700-litre boot space, making it one of the most practical SUVs in its segment. The addition of durable roof rails further improves its utility for long-distance travel and adventure.

With exports now underway, the new-generation Duster strengthens India’s position as a global automotive production hub. While South Africa is the first destination, Renault is expected to expand exports to several more international markets in the coming months.