India-bound Renault Duster Bigster 7 seat SUV Spied Testing For the 1st Time [Video]

Renault is gearing up enter the Indian SUV market with the launch of the 3rd generation Duster 5-Seater, expected to hit roads by mid-2025. Along with the 5 seater Duster, Renault is also working on the 7 seater version of Duster, which could be called ‘Bigster’. The car was recently spotted during testing somewhere in Europe. Here, check out the video.

Once launched in India, the 7 seat Duster Bigster will rival popular players such as the Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, Hyundai Alcazar, Grand Vitara/Hyryder 7 seater (upcoming) and Mahindra XUV700.

The Duster 7 seater will have design similar to that of Duster 5 seater. However, some changes are expected in the front and rear fascia of the SUV. Duster 5 seater will measure around 4.34 meters in length.

The Bigster SUV, on the other hand will measure roughly around 4.6 meters in length. Both the SUVs are built on the same CMF-B platform which is used by many other Renault-Nissan vehicles in the global market.

The Duster 7 seater referred to as “Bigster,” is expected to feature a slightly longer wheelbase and larger rear doors to accommodate additional passengers comfortably. Regardless of its big size, the Bigster will share many features with its smaller sibling including a range of advanced connectivity options, a large touch screen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, premium sound system, and a comprehensive suite of connected features.

Courtesy CarScoops

The Renault Duster 7-Seater is expected share its power train options from the Duster 5-Seater. Among the available engines is a 1.0-litre petrol-LPG unit, tailored for select markets. Other engine options include a more powerful 1.2-litre turbo petrol unit; this particular engine will come with a hybrid setup featuring a 48V starter motor, delivering an impressive 130 hp of maximum power.

Another variant will be equipped with a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol hybrid, featuring a 1.2kW battery and two electric motors. This will allow the vehicle to be driven on pure electricity for about 80% of the time. This hybrid power train will be paired with an automatic gearbox.

The Duster 7 seater will come only with petrol engine options; Renault is committed to hybrid and electric vehicle technology, phasing out diesel options. The SUV will be offered in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations. Also, the Duster will come with multiple terrain modes, including Eco, Off-road, Snow, Mud/Sand, and Auto, ensuring optimal performance across diverse driving conditions.

Renault’s strategy involves launching the all-new Duster 5 seater in India first, followed by the introduction of the Bigster SUV with a gap of few months. While the new Duster will compete with models like the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos, Toyota Hyryder, and Honda Elevate, the Bigster will rival with cars such as the Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, Hyundai Alcazar, Grand Vitara/Hyryder 7 seater (upcoming) and MG Hector Plus. After these launches by Renault, Nissan is also expected to launch its own versions of these SUVs.