Renault will officially launch the new third-generation Duster in India on March 17th. The carmaker is already accepting pre-bookings for the SUV. Deliveries are scheduled to start from April 2026. Display and demo units have already started reaching dealerships across India. Images of customers taking test drives have also surfaced. If you are someone who plans to buy the new Duster and wants to take it home at the earliest, here’s what to do. Buy the R-Pass!
What Exactly Is The R-Pass?
It is essentially an early access pre-booking program for the new Duster. It is not the final booking though. Think of it as registering serious interest in the SUV before the prices are announced and before making the final (full) booking.
How To Get Early Delivery Of The New Duster: Two Important Things To Do
Priority delivery is one of the two major benefits of purchasing an R-pass. Participation in the program will save you from having to wait long for deliveries. R-pass holders will get priority over regular bookings. This can be particularly useful if waiting periods stretch, owing to strong demand or production limitations.
Choosing the right engine is the next big thing to do. There are three engines on offer on the new Duster- a 1.0L turbo-petrol, 1.3L turbo-petrol and 1.8L strong hybrid. The 1.3L turbo-petrol (TCe 160) will be the first to reach customers, deliveries scheduled to begin in mid-April. Choosing this engine is important too. The strong hybrid version will only arrive around Diwali.
More About The R-Pass
Renault is positioning the R-Pass as more than a simple pre-booking window. It wants to reconnect with loyal Duster fans. The SUV already has a cult following in India,. If you are one of them, here’s how to get the R-Pass.
You can purchase the R-Pass either through Renault India’s official website or via authorised dealerships. For this, you will need to pay Rs 21000. This amount will be fully adjusted against the final price of the vehicle when the regular bookings open. This isn’t thus an extra premium that you pay, you are just reserving early access.
The R-Pass is non-transferable. It is linked to the buyer’s profile. If you wish to cancel it, you will get a full refund. There is no financial risk in that sense.
We have talked about priority deliveries. Price protection is another major perk. Renault will most likely give the Duster an aggressive introductory price. Speculations point to Rs 9.99- 20 lakh, ex-showroom. These would mean terrific value for money. R-Pass holders will be able to procure the product at its introductory price. Since they are introductory, prices may go up once the initial allocation is done.
Additionally, there are lifestyle perks as well. R-Pass customers will receive exclusive “Gang of Dusters” branded merchandise. On top of that, Renault will also offer them a guided tour of its manufacturing facility in Chennai.
Why Is Renault Doing The R-Pass?
The Duster was once one of the most popular mid-size SUVs in India. Over time, the competition increased and its sales declined. It got discontinued in 2022. Today, the segment has become fiercely competitive, and has some mighty players in it. A re-entry isn’t as easy as it sounds. It is possible though!
Renault understands that buyers who are willing to put down money even before prices are announced, need to be treasured as the company tries to make a comeback with the SUV. The R-pass intends to reward this early commitment. It also allows the company to gauge real demand before launch. This data can be crucial in placing it right.
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