Renault Duster: a more affordable automatic is coming to India, but the engine isn’t confirmed yet

Renault will expand its Indian Duster line-up with a more affordable automatic version. It wasn’t part of the original plan: the decision followed requests from buyers unhappy with the gap between the manual 1.0-litre cars and the first automatic option available.

The launch date and price haven’t been announced yet. The 100hp Duster 1.0 TCe is currently offered only with a 6-speed manual and starts at 1.049 million rupees. The most expensive trim with this engine costs 1.299 million rupees. The first automatic option is reserved for the 163hp 1.3 TCe with a 6-speed DCT and starts at 1.449 million rupees.

That leaves a gap of 150,000 rupees between the top 1.0-litre trim and the cheapest automatic. Compared with the base model, the difference reaches 400,000 rupees — though buyers get a more powerful engine and different equipment along with the gearbox.

Renault Group India head Stephane Deblaise hasn’t confirmed the automatic will be paired specifically with the smaller engine. The company could launch such a powertrain or move the existing Duster 1.3 DCT down to a more affordable trim level.

An automatic for the 1.0-litre engine is under consideration, but the transmission type hasn’t been decided. The smaller engine appeals for more than just price: its claimed efficiency is 19.41 km per litre, or about 5.2 l/100 km. The 1.3 DCT returns 18.45 km per litre — roughly 5.4 l/100 km. That means pairing the smaller engine with an automatic could become the most efficient two-pedal option, though for now it remains just a possible scenario.

Later in 2026, Renault also plans to launch a hybrid Duster. By 2030, the brand’s Indian line-up is expected to grow to seven models, including a production compact crossover based on the Bridger concept.

According to 32CARS.RU, Renault is only willing to build Chinese cars on its own platforms.