Hold onto your hats, because the SUV that arguably started the compact SUV craze in the region is back with a vengeance. After what feels like an eternity of waiting and watching it launch in other markets, the all-new 2025 Renault Duster is finally hitting the streets, and it looks poised to reclaim its throne. We got a chance to see it up close, and let me tell you, this isn’t just a facelift; it’s a complete reinvention.
The first thing you’ll notice is the design. Gone are the soft, rounded curves of the previous generation. The new Duster is all about bold, muscular lines and a rugged, almost boxy aesthetic that gives it a much more serious and modern presence. It looks like it’s been hitting the gym. The Y-shaped LED signatures in the headlights and taillights, the chunky wheel arches, and the aggressive front grille give it a character that was perhaps missing before. It’s built on the new CMF-B platform, the same one used in many modern Renault and Nissan models, which promises better dynamics and safety.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what the new Duster brings to the table:
2025 Renault Duster Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Platform | CMF-B |
| Engine Options | – 1.6L E-Tech Full Hybrid (140 hp) – 1.2L Turbo Mild-Hybrid (130 hp) |
| Transmission | – Multi-mode Automatic (Hybrid) – 6-speed Manual (Mild-Hybrid) |
| Drivetrain | 4×2 or 4×4 (available with 1.2L Turbo) |
| Infotainment | 10.1-inch central touchscreen, 7-inch digital driver’s display |
| Key Features | Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Automatic Climate Control, Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), Y-shaped LED light signature |
| Ground Clearance | Up to 217 mm (4×4 version) |
| Boot Space | Up to 472 litres |
| Dimensions | – Length: 4,343 mm – Width: 1,813 mm – Height: 1,656 mm |
| Expected Availability | Bookings are expected to open soon in Qatar |
Step inside, and the transformation is even more dramatic. The old, utilitarian cabin has been completely overhauled. You’re now greeted by a driver-focused cockpit with a new 10.1-inch central touchscreen that’s angled towards the driver. The materials feel more premium, the ergonomics are vastly improved, and there’s a general sense of sturdiness that feels a step above its predecessor. Practicality is still key, with clever storage solutions and what feels like a very spacious interior for its class.
But the biggest news is what’s under the hood. The 2025 Duster introduces a range of new powertrains, including, for the first time, a hybrid option. The flagship E-Tech hybrid combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with two electric motors, offering a zippy and incredibly fuel-efficient drive, perfect for navigating Doha’s busy streets. For those who prefer a more traditional setup, there’s also a new 1.2-litre turbocharged mild-hybrid petrol engine, which will be available with a 4×4 option for those weekend desert adventures.
Renault has clearly listened to its customers. The new Duster feels more refined, more technologically advanced, and safer, all while retaining the core value-for-money proposition that made the original so popular. It’s ready to take on a market that has become crowded with competitors during its absence.
The 2025 Renault Duster feels like a confident and well-executed return. It has leveled up in every single area – design, technology, quality, and performance. For anyone in the market for a capable, stylish, and practical compact SUV, the new Duster demands to be on your shortlist. The king is back, and it’s looking better than ever.