Upcoming Sierra Rival With Mercedes Engine Spotted: The Legend Returns to Rule!
The Indian SUV market is about to witness the “Clash of the Titans.” On one side, we have the reborn Tata Sierra, a nostalgic icon that has already garnered massive bookings. On the other side, an old king is preparing to reclaim its throne. Recent spy shots have confirmed that the 2026 Renault Duster is back on Indian soil, and it is bringing a secret weapon—a heart of German engineering. The Only Automatic CNG SUV Under Rs 10 Lakh: Nissan Magnite CNG AMT Launched!
Reports from MotorOctane and other industry insiders confirm that the upcoming Renault Duster (and its Nissan sibling, the Tekton) will be powered by a 1.3-Litre Turbo Petrol engine. Why is this special? Because this is the same engine co-developed with Mercedes-Benz, powering global luxury cars like the A-Class and GLA! Top 5 Safest Cars in India Under 7 Lakhs
At MotorCarVerse, we have analyzed the spy shots and specs to tell you why the Tata Sierra needs to be worried.
The “Mercedes” Connection: What’s Under the Hood?
The biggest talking point of the 2026 Renault Duster is its powertrain. While most rivals are downsizing engines, Renault is going big on performance.
The 1.3L Turbo Petrol Engine
This engine (codenamed HR13DDT) is a masterpiece of engineering developed by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance in partnership with Daimler (Mercedes-Benz).
- Power: ~156 PS (154 bhp)
- Torque: 254 Nm
- Technology: It uses the same “Mirror Bore Coating” technology found in the Nissan GT-R to reduce friction and improve efficiency.
- Transmission: 6-Speed Manual and a snappy 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).
Why it matters:
This engine makes the Duster one of the most powerful SUVs in its segment. It effortlessly outperforms the Hyundai Creta (160 PS but less torque feel) and the Grand Vitara (which lacks a turbo option). For enthusiasts who miss the raw punch of the old Duster Diesel, this “Mercedes” engine is the answer.
Exterior Design: Rugged Meets Modern
The spy shots reveal that the new Duster has ditched the soft curves for a boxy, muscular “Cyber-Truck” aesthetic. It looks ready for the apocalypse, or at least for Bengaluru traffic.
Key Design Highlights
- Y-Shaped LED DRLs: The front fascia features a sleek grille with integrated Y-shaped LED daytime running lights that stretch across the width.
- Boxy Silhouette: The wheel arches are squared-off and feature chunky cladding made from “Starkle”—a recycled material that is scratch-resistant.
- Hidden Door Handles: The rear door handles are integrated into the C-pillar, giving it a clean, 3-door coupe vibe.
- Wheels: Massive 17 or 18-inch Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels fill the arches perfectly, giving it a commanding stance.
Interior & Features: A Massive Tech Leap
The old Duster was criticized for its basic interior. The 2026 model flips the script. The cabin is modern, tech-loaded, and built with premium materials.
Top Features Expected:
- 10.1-inch Floating Touchscreen: Supports Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.
- 7-inch Digital Instrument Cluster: Customizable driver display.
- Ventilated Front Seats: A must-have for Indian summers.
- Arkamys 3D Sound System: For an immersive audio experience.
- Electric Parking Brake: Replacing the old manual handbrake.
Detailed Specifications Table
| Feature | Renault Duster 2026 (Expected) |
| Engine Options | 1.0L Turbo / 1.3L Turbo (Mercedes Tech) |
| Power Output | 100 PS / 156 PS |
| Torque | 160 Nm / 254 Nm |
| Platform | CMF-B (Heavily Localized) |
| Safety | ADAS Level 2, 6 Airbags, ESP |
| Off-Road Tech | 4×4 / AWD Modes (Snow, Mud, Sand) |
| Touchscreen | 10.1-inch Floating Display |
| Ground Clearance | 210 mm+ |
Tata Sierra vs. Renault Duster: The Rivalry
The Tata Sierra and Renault Duster are targeting the same audience: those who want a “Real SUV” and not just a raised hatchback.
- Performance: The Duster’s 1.3L Turbo (156 PS) has a slight edge in raw sportiness over the Sierra’s expected 1.5L Turbo (170 PS) due to lighter weight and better handling dynamics.
- Capability: The Duster is expected to offer a proper 4×4 / AWD system. The Sierra might offer an EV AWD version, but the ICE version is likely to be FWD only initially.
- Legacy: Both cars pull at heartstrings. The Sierra is the 90s icon; the Duster is the car that started the compact SUV craze in 2012.
Safety & ADAS: No Compromises
Renault is targeting a 5-Star BNCAP Safety Rating with the new Duster.
- ADAS Level 2: Includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
- Standard Safety: 6 Airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Start Assist, and Hill Descent Control.
Launch Date & Price
The Renault Duster is scheduled to be unveiled on January 26, 2026 (Republic Day), paying homage to its legacy. Its sibling, the Nissan Tekton, will follow shortly with a reveal on February 4, 2026.
Expected Price:
- Base Variant: ₹ 10.50 Lakh (Ex-Showroom)
- Top Variant (1.3 Turbo AWD): ₹ 18.50 Lakh (Ex-Showroom)
Conclusion: The King is Back
The 2026 Renault Duster is not just a facelift; it is a revolution. With a chassis capable of handling bad roads like a rally car and an engine derived from Mercedes-Benz, it offers a unique proposition. If you are waiting for the Tata Sierra, you might want to hold your chequebook until January 26. The original bad boy of Indian SUVs is coming back to settle the score.
Disclaimer: Specifications mentioned are based on global models and spy shots. Final India-spec details will be confirmed at the launch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which Mercedes engine is used in the new Renault Duster 2026? The new Renault Duster uses the 1.3-Litre Turbo Petrol engine (HR13DDT). This engine was co-developed by the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Daimler (Mercedes-Benz) and is used in cars like the Mercedes A-Class and GLA.
2. Will the new Renault Duster have 4×4 or AWD? Yes, the 2026 Renault Duster is expected to offer an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, likely paired with the powerful 1.3L Turbo engine, making it a true off-roader unlike many of its FWD rivals.
3. When is the Renault Duster 2026 launching in India? Renault has confirmed the unveil of the new Duster for January 26, 2026, with sales expected to begin by March 2026.
4. Is the Nissan Tekton the same as the Renault Duster? Yes and No. The Nissan Tekton shares the same CMF-B platform and engines (including the 1.3L Turbo) with the Duster, but it will have a completely different exterior design inspired by the Nissan Patrol.
5. How does the Duster compare to the Tata Sierra? The Renault Duster focuses more on rugged, mechanical capability and handling with its AWD system. The Tata Sierra focuses more on luxury, lounge-like interiors, and tech. Both are potent rivals in the mid-size SUV segment.
