Renault confirms launch of new-gen Duster and seven-seater Boreal with strong hybrid powertrains in India. Production to start in September 2025 at Chennai plant, with launch scheduled for early 2026.
Renault is preparing a strong comeback in India’s SUV segment with the launch of the new-generation Duster in early 2026. This will be followed by the introduction of its seven-seater sibling named Boreal later in the same year. Both SUVs will be based on the CMF-B modular platform, which Renault shares with Nissan. Production is set to begin at the Renault-Nissan Alliance facility in Chennai starting September 2025.
Initially, both models will be launched with petrol and turbo-petrol engine options. However, according to Autocar India, Renault will offer strong hybrid versions of the Duster and Boreal in India within 6-12 months of their respective market launches. This strategy will give Renault a diversified product lineup suited to India’s evolving fuel preferences.
While the exact hybrid powertrain for the India-spec models is yet to be revealed, the international variants provide some hints. Globally, the new Duster is available with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with two electric motors—a 49 hp unit driving the wheels and a starter generator—powered by a 1.2 kWh battery. The combined system output stands at around 140 hp. This strong hybrid setup allows for up to 80% electric-only driving in urban areas and comes with an electric automatic transmission.
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The larger seven-seater Boreal, sold internationally as the Dacia Bigster, uses a more powerful hybrid setup with a 1.8-litre petrol engine and a 50 hp electric motor, paired with a 1.4 kWh battery. The combined output is around 155 hp, and like the Duster, it comes with front-wheel drive and automatic gearbox.
Pre-bookings for the new Duster are expected to begin in late 2025. Renault is expected to officially launch the Duster in early 2026, followed by the Boreal. The global debut of the Boreal is scheduled for July 10, 2025, and the strong hybrid variants of both models will follow in the second half of 2026 or early 2027.
