New Renault Duster To Get India’s Favourite Engine? » MotorOctane

Renault has officially brought back the Duster to Indian shores. Launched on March 17, 2026, the 3rd-Gen SUV shook the market with a highly competitive price. But Renault does not want to stop there. The brand is now looking to introduce India’s favourite powertrain in the Duster. So what could it be? Let’s discuss –
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Renault Duster To Get CNG?

The Duster has been launched at a mouthwatering price of just Rs 12.27 lakh (on-road, Mumbai), with a variety of engine options. Not just petrol, but Renault will also be offering a hybrid powertrain. The highlight here is not the hybrid, but India’s favourite engine – CNG. That’s right! Renault has not dismissed the idea of introducing CNG in the new Duster. In an interview with Autocar India, Dr Vikraman V, chief of engineering Renault India, said that the company is closely monitoring the landscape and if there’s enough demand for CNG, Renault may consider it for the Duster. While not immediate, a dealer-fitted or a factory-approved retrofitted CNG, which were successful with the smaller offerings such as Triber and Kiger. 

This enables Renault to maintain a low entry price while guaranteeing a brand-backed warranty. The chief of Renault Engineering also added that CNG might not match the sporty image of the Duster brand, and Renault wants to preserve what the SUV represents. He also mentioned that the company is currently neither confirming nor denying a CNG version and will observe competitors, market trends, and customer needs before deciding. The core of the strategy revolves around what many consider India’s favourite modern engine: the 1.0-Litre turbocharged petrol unit, a staple workhorse in the Triber and Kiger. This engine is expected to power the all-new Duster in its CNG mid-size.

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Renault Duster CNG – Impact On Rivals!

The mid-size SUV segment is currently a battlefield. By bringing a CNG option to the 1.0-litre Duster, Renault is locking horns with the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and the newly launched Victoris. A CNG-powered Duster, with its ruggedness and ground clearance, could be the one that tips the scales in Renault’s favour. 

At the same time, the standard petrol Duster offers a massive 700-litre boot. A CNG variant would likely employ a clever space-saving tank layout similar to the dual-cylinder tech seen in modern rivals, ensuring the SUV’s legendary practicality isn’t sacrificed for lower running costs. 

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Powertrain Options

The current Renault Duster lineup features a flexible engine range, centred around a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that delivers 99bhp and 160Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a smooth-shifting 6-speed manual gearbox. Meanwhile, the higher-performance 1.3-litre turbo petrol offers a top power output of 160bhp and gives buyers the choice between a 6-speed manual or a sophisticated 6-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT) for a more effortless drive.

In a real-world driving scenario, a CNG-tuned 1.0L turbo would likely see a minor recalibration to roughly 80-85bhp when running on gas, prioritising fuel economy over raw pace, while likely retaining the tactile 6-speed manual to keep the driving experience engaging. The introduction of a CNG could transform the rugged Duster from a weekend adventurer into a sensible, everyday runner for the Indian family.

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