Renault’s sister brand Dacia is readying a Duster AWD that will make its global debut later this year.  This will appeal to a wider set of customers looking for a utilitarian SUV with an AWD powertrain.

• Duster AWD will also get an LPG powertrain option
• AWD powertrain to be seen on Bigster, too
• Duster EV could be unveiled by 2031

Duster AWD to come with an electric rear axle

The Duster AWD will sit at the top of the line-up and come with an electric rear axle. Dacia CEO Denis Le Vot confirmed to our sister publication, Autocar UK, that this development is a new “technological solution” from the brand.

He further added, "We will electrify the rear axle with an e-motor. The car will be hybrid and automatic, and there will be an LPG version. We will make it available at an affordable price, as is the Dacia way."

At the moment, the new Duster gets three powertrain options, depending on market: a 100hp 1.0-litre bi-fuel three-cylinder engine, a 130hp 1.2-litre mild-hybrid and the top-spec 140hp 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid.

Once the Duster AWD is out, it is likely that the same electric axle setup will see duty on the Bigster SUV, which is technically identical to the Duster and sits on the same CMF-B platform.

Duster EV likely to come by 2031

Le Vot added that an electric Renault Duster "would come in time" but will debut after the Sandero EV. The next-generation Duster, which would likely arrive in 2030 or 2031, could get an electric powertrain.

Renault Duster India launch details

Renault India is expected to launch the new Duster sometime next year. For this year, the brand is planning major refreshes for the Kiger and the Triber.