Renault Duster to get angrier and more electrified

Renault has confirmed its third-generation Duster is primed to receive a more aggressive design package and mechanical enhancement in the form of an all-new electrified 4x4 drive system.

Currently offered either as a mild hybrid 4x4 or front-drive turbo-petrol, it seems the Duster could be almost unrecognisable when it’s facelifted.

Speaking to media at the 2025 Renault Duster launch recently, the model’s program director Julien Ferry said the new look would be influenced by the Dakar Rally-conquering Dacia Sandrider – a heavily-modified off-road racer based on the Duster.

“Yes … there are discussions, so stay tuned,” he said of a more aggressive-looking Duster.

It’s not yet clear which of the extreme desert racer’s features the aspiring Jimny rival will adopt, but we’re expecting some flared arches, potentially some more ground clearance and a more utilitarian look overall.

“With Duster, if we want to do a very aggressive version, it will go to a pure styling,” Ferry said.

But while that particular update will be limited to aesthetic changes, Ferry revealed the compact SUV was also destined for a significant drivetrain evolution “to bring some better consumption on the 4x4”, and that the system was set for imminent reveal.

Said drivetrain is yet to be confirmed for Australian showrooms, but it was revealed European Dusters will soon have the option of an electrified rear axle, changing the way it delivers its all-paw traction.

While the update is primarily in the name of efficiency, Ferry promised its respectable off-road ability would not be compromised.

“If you also look at what’s happening to Europe: electric, 4x4… it means rear-axle electric will come in Europe,” he said.

“It will bring [reduced] consumption because this is the main goal, but it will not change the 4x4 behaviour.”

So while the Duster’s go-anywhere credentials will not be impacted, it will, according to Ferry, be more suitable for city-dwellers.

“We want it to be a car that could bring you everywhere you want, in off-road, but is still usable in a city, country driving, whatever culture, normal driving,” he said.

Exact power and performance figures for the new hybrid system are yet to be confirmed but Ferry claims the rear axle is “quite powerful” and can propel the car by itself for short distances.

The current performance champion is the Duster 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol which produces 113kW/250Nm, while using a claimed average of 6.5 litres of fuel per 100km. The mild hybrid 1.2-litre engine is more frugal at 5.7L/100km.

With the brace of upgrades so close to global introduction, it’s too early to discuss the possibility of introduction to the local line-up, however Renault Australia general manager Glen Sealey said customer demand would be the deciding factor.

According to Sealey, an electrified Duster could be one of the six models confirmed for Australia in the near future, but the specific details are yet to be finalised.

“For me to sit here and say we will definitely have that car tomorrow, I wouldn’t be prepared to do that,” he said.  “But what I do know is that I’ve got six of them coming.

“They may vary between now and then, but in terms of electrification, you would have to say there’s still going to be a baseline for electrification in Australia.”

One significant determining factor is the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) that’s influencing vehicle sales, particularly low-emissions models.

“The one thing that you do see, and all car companies must respect, is it is the consumer that drives them (EV, hybrid sales) up and so it will be the consumer that dictates whether electrification is adopted further or less,” Sealey said.

Renault already offers a pair of battery-powered vehicles; the Megane E-tech SUV and Kangoo E-Tech van.

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