Renault May Introduce New Automatic Duster Variant At A Lower Price Point
Renault may add a lower-priced automatic Duster variant to attract more SUV buyers.
Renault is reportedly preparing to expand the lineup of the Renault Duster in India with the introduction of a more affordable automatic variant, a move aimed at making the popular SUV accessible to a wider range of buyers. The new option is expected to reduce the significant price gap that currently exists between the manual and automatic versions of the vehicle, while catering to increasing consumer demand for automatic transmissions.
Launched in India earlier this year with a starting price of Rs 10.49 lakh (ex-showroom), the new-generation Duster has established a presence in the competitive mid-size SUV segment. The model has reportedly featured among the segment’s top-selling vehicles, and Renault is also preparing to introduce a strong hybrid version later this year. Demand for the hybrid appears strong, with bookings for 2026 production already filled, according to reports.
Currently, the Duster is offered with two turbo-petrol engine options. The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, while the more powerful 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine can be paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) equipped with an electronic shifter. Automatic variants are presently limited to higher trims, resulting in a notable jump in pricing.
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The entry-level Authentic trim starts at Rs 10.49 lakh, while higher-spec manual variants are priced up to Rs 13.49 lakh. However, buyers seeking an automatic transmission must currently opt for the Evolution trim or above, where prices begin at Rs 14.49 lakh. This pricing structure has created a sizeable gap between manual and automatic versions, potentially limiting the appeal of the automatic drivetrain among budget-conscious customers.
Industry reports suggest Renault may address this by either introducing an automatic transmission option with the 1.0-litre engine or offering the existing 1.3-litre automatic powertrain in a lower trim level. While the company has not officially confirmed the strategy, either approach would make automatic variants more accessible and strengthen the Duster’s value proposition in the segment.
A more affordable automatic Duster could significantly enhance the model’s competitiveness, particularly in urban markets where automatic transmissions are increasingly preferred for daily commuting. The expected addition would also help Renault broaden the SUV’s customer base ahead of the anticipated launch of the hybrid variant, further reinforcing the Duster’s position in India’s rapidly evolving SUV market.
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