Nissan's incoming new Renault Duster twin spied for the first time
So far only seen in teaser image form the first of Nissan's two incoming new SUVs has been spotted undergoing testing in India ahead of its market arrival next year.
Nissan by Renault
Reported in May has having entered the pre-production phase, the newcomer will be based on sister brand Renault's new Duster, and produced at the Chennai plant for the local and export markets.
.@Nissan_India's upcoming C-segment SUV has just been spotted on test in India for the first time. Essentially a badge-engineered sibling of the Renault Duster, we can expect it to launch in India by the middle of 2026.
Tap belowhttps://t.co/7AKJMZFTBA — Autocar India (@autocarindiamag) August 7, 2025
The first of three Nissan-badged Renault models for India, the newcomer will ride on the same CMF-B platform as the Duster, and more than likely, have the same choice of engines.
ALSO READ: Making sense of Nissan-Renault's SUVs heading to South Africa
Based on the images posted by Autocar India, the main differences will, seemingly, be limited to the exterior and interior, the former comprising a Nissan specific grille, as hinted by the original teaser image last year, and what appears to be model unique headlights and different wheel arches.
Teaser image of the first Renault-based new Nissan SUV. Image: Nissan
While no interior images were obtained, anticipated changes are likely to be minor.
Engine conundrum
Up front, the line-up of engines will mirror those of the Duster, though in accordance with the options available on the Dacia Duster in Europe, different in displacement and power.
Dacia Duster lineage will have two additional models. Image: Dacia
As a comparison, the Dacia can be had with a 1.2-litre mild-hybrid turbo-petrol or a self-charging 1.6-litre hybrid, while the Renault substitutes the later with the normal 1.3-litre turbo-petrol co-developed with Daimler.
Renault-badged version of the Dacia Duster will soon wear the Nissan badge, once again. Image: Renault
In India, reports have alleged that Nissan could retain the Terrano name used on the rebadged first generation Duster, however, nothing has yet been approved.
Remaining pair
Besides the Duster, the new Boreal will also morph into a Nissan and debut next year with seven-seats below the X-Trail.
Based on the Dacia Bigster, the Boreal will provide the base for the second new Nissan SUV. Image: Renault
Spun-off of the Dacia Bigster, both the Duster and Boreal models have been approved for South Africa, the former replacing the Qashqai, while the latter will take-up station below the X-Trail instead of succeeding it.
Renault South Africa has since confirmed to iol.co.za that the Boreal is being investigated for South Africa in either 2026 or 2027.
'[These] products will be Nissan's answer to the Chinese competition in South Africa. We believe [India] is a good source to bring competitive and technologically advanced response to the market,' Nissan Managing Director for South Africa and Independent African Markets, Maciej Klenkiewicz, told the media at the unveiling of the facelift Magnite in Cape Town last year.
Nissan-badged Renault Triber has, for the moment, not been approved for South Africa. Image: Nissan
Not destined for South Africa, for now, the third model will be based on the Renault Triber and could serve as the spiritual replacement for the Livina/Grand Livina should sales receive approval.
More later
At its stands though, on the pair of SUVs has been confirmed and with development in India still taking place, expect details and more spy images to gather throughout the remainder of 2025.
NOW READ: Indian pre-production of first South Africa-bound new Nissan starts
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