The highly anticipated 2024 Duster, recently unveiled by Dacia globally, is poised to make a triumphant return to the Indian market in 2025. The third-generation Duster boasts a revamped design that reflects modern aesthetics while retaining the rugged charm that made it a trailblazer in the compact SUV space. The Creta, a stalwart in the segment, features a distinctive and dynamic design. Inside the 2024 Duster, a spacious and ergonomic cabin awaits. Equipped with the latest technological advancements, the 2024 Duster is expected to feature an advanced infotainment system, driver-assistance features, and connectivity options. While specific engine details for the Indian variant are yet to be confirmed, the global 2024 Duster offers a range of engine options, including petrol and diesel. Pricing details for the 2024 Duster in India are yet to be revealed.
Design
When viewed side by side, you will immediately notice the differences between both SUVs. The 2024 Duster gets a rugged design that it has always been known for, while the Creta features a more rounded design and doesn’t look as muscular as the Renault SUV.
Up front, the 2024 Duster features a sleek new grille with Y-shaped LED DRLs. The side profile also showcases a sportier windowline and beefy wheel arches with body cladding. At the rear, you get a roof spoiler as well as a similar Y-shaped DRL signature in the LED taillights. In contrast, the Hyundai Creta gets split LED headlights with a large grille. From the side, the Creta features squared-out wheel arches with dual-tone alloy wheel design and roof rails. At the rear, the Creta gets split LED taillights. Do note that Hyundai is working on a facelift for the Creta, which is expected to break cover on January 16, 2024.
Interior
In the interior, Duster fans will now be happy that the ambience is now a whole lot more upmarket, featuring a new dashboard design housing a 10.1-inch floating infotainment system. It adopts an overall sharp cabin styling with sleeker AC vents with a Y-shaped insignia that mirrors the exterior design. On the other hand, the Creta features a rather straightforward dashboard design with a simple and easy-to-use layout. It gets dual-tone upholstery with a flat-bottom steering wheel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system integrated into the dashboard. Like the Duster, the Creta also gets physical controls for the climate control system.
Powertrain
Dacia is yet to release complete specifications for the 2024 Duster. It is likely that Renault will offer the 2024 Duster in India with the 1.2-litre petrol engine paired to a 48 V mild-hybrid system. Internationally, the model is also offered with all-wheel-drive and even a strong-hybrid powertrain. The Creta, on the other hand, is offered with petrol and diesel engines as well. Transmission choices for the Creta include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission for the diesel, while the petrol variant is offered with a 6-speed manual and a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT). With the facelift, Hyundai is expected to offer the 160PS 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine as well.
Features
In the highly competitive arena of compact SUVs, the 2024 Renault Duster and Hyundai Creta stand out as formidable contenders.
1. Infotainment System
- 10.1-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- 6-speaker Arkamys sound system
- 10.25-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- 8-speaker Bose sound system
2. Digital Driver’s Display
- Yes, 7-inch semi-digital display
- Yes, 7-inch semi-digital display
3. Climate Control
- Automatic climate control
- Automatic climate control
5. Safety Features
- Expected 6 airbags
- Electronic Stability Control
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rear parking camera
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
- 6 airbags
- Electronic Stability Control
- Rear parking sensors
- Rear parking camera
We expect Renault to launch the Duster in 2025 at a starting price of around Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). Prices for the Creta start from Rs 10.87 lakh and go up to Rs 19.20 lakh (ex-showroom). Apart from being rivals to each other, they compete with the likes of the Kia Seltos, MG Astor, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.